Jo Shelby Lake is a 31-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Linn County, Missouri. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Linn County, Jo Shelby Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2024-08-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 48 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 15 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 59.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 48 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 15 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Jo Shelby Lake
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Fishing Jo Shelby Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Jo Shelby Lake averages about 82°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 83°F) and coldest in May (about 72°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2013–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Jo Shelby Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 4 lakes in Linn County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Jo Shelby Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BLake Nehai TonkayeaChariton County · 24.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBrookfield LakeLinn County · 16.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Linn County
Explore Jo Shelby Lake across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Missouri
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Jo Shelby Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Fountain Grove Lake Dam (completed 1958), built primarily for recreation on the TR-PARSON CREEK; earth-type dam, 26 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 31 ac
- Normal storage
- 220 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 431 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 375 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO10182 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.04 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
2 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Jo Shelby Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Meadville WwtfMeadville · 4.8 mi away · NPDES MO0041114Recent violation
- Ponting Custom ApplicationHale · 4.2 mi away · NPDES MONX00295
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)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-08-07
Monitoring stations: 1