Houghton Lake
Roscommon County, WisconsinMesotrophic
Houghton Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Roscommon County, MI. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Black crappie, Longnose gar, and Shorthead redhorse. Compared to the 5 other monitored lakes in Roscommon County, Houghton Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-08-28. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Murky, only visible to about 5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 3.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 3.3 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Houghton Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Houghton Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Houghton Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 6 lakes in Roscommon County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Houghton Lake holds Grade B. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Roscommon County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
Lapeer County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 13 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft
Lake County · Clarity: 14 ft
Cass County · Clarity: 10.5 ft
Genesee County · Clarity: 10 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2023-08-28
Monitoring stations: 1