Harvey Dam Lake is a 360-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Wells County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 20 feet (7-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Black Bullhead. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Wells County, Harvey Dam Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 6.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.4 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 6.8 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 20.2 ft |
| Average Depth | 6.9 ft |
| Surface Area | 360 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 10.3 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Harvey Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Harvey Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Harvey Dam Lake averages about 67°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 71°F) and coldest in May (about 52°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2016–2017) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Harvey Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 2 lakes in Wells County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Harvey Dam Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Wells County
Explore Harvey Dam Lake across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Wells County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Harvey Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Harvey Dam (completed 1920), built primarily for water supply on the Sheyenne River; earth-type dam, 35 ft tall and 690 ft long.
- Surface area
- 360 ac
- Normal storage
- 2,700 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 7,646 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 534 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- Wells County WRB
All listed purposes: Water Supply;Recreation.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00189 · Operator website
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 Harvey Dam Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits.
- Susag Sand & Gravel HarveyHarvey · 0.8 mi away · NPDES ND0025950
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-10-16
Monitoring stations: 1