Free Peoples Lake is a 544-acre mesotrophic lake in Benson County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 54 feet. Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including Walleye. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Benson County, Free Peoples Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-05-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 18.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 18.7 µg/L | A |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 54 ft |
| Surface Area | 544 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 3.7 mi |
Where to stay near Free Peoples Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Free Peoples Lake
Water Temperature
Free Peoples Lake averages about 72°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 73°F) and coldest in May (about 54°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 37 field readings (2019–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Free Peoples Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 4 lakes in Benson County
Nearby Lakes in Benson County
Explore Free Peoples Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Benson County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Top lakes and where to stay in the Devils Lake Region area
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade A Lakes in North Dakota
Mesotrophic Lakes in North Dakota
Compare Free Peoples Lake With Nearby Lakes
More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Free Peoples Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits.
- Spirit Lake Rural Water System Water Treatment PlantSaint Michael · 2.7 mi away · NPDES ND0031101
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Most recent sample: 2023-05-10
Monitoring stations: 1