Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake is a 7-acre mesotrophic lake in Wells County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 27 feet (13-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Common Carp. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Wells County, Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2021-10-04. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 9.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 10.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 49.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 9.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 10.3 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 49 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 27.1 ft |
| Average Depth | 13 ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 9.9 mi |
Where to stay near Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake
Water Temperature
Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake averages about 64°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 72°F) and coldest in May (about 48°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 19 field readings (2016–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Wells County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BLake WilliamsKidder County · 25.5 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BClark LakeStutsman County · 28.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Wells County
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Thompson Dam; Norman 1 (completed 1968), built primarily for recreation on the James River-TR; earth-type dam, 22 ft tall and 368 ft long.
- Surface area
- 7 ac
- Normal storage
- 44 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 68 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 0.44 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Norman Thompson
All listed purposes: Recreation;Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00773 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.81 km)
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
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: 2021-10-04
Monitoring stations: 1