Hassel Lake

Hassel Lake pulls a D on the LakeGrade rubric — phosphorus loading and limited clarity hold it below the Minnesota average. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Within Swift County's 3 graded lakes, Hassel Lake ranks 2 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

No invasive species are currently listed at Hassel Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Hassel Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. A documented public access point at Hassel Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.