Kota Ray Dam Lake is a 28-acre mesotrophic lake in Williams County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 26 feet (11-foot average). Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Williams County, Kota Ray Dam Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 3.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 45.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.7 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 3.5 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 45 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 26.2 ft |
| Average Depth | 10.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Kota Ray Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Kota Ray Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 9 lakes in Williams County
Nearby Lakes in Williams County
Explore Kota Ray Dam Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Williams County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade B Lakes in North Dakota
Mesotrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Kota Ray Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Kota Ray Dam (completed 1933), built primarily for recreation on the Nelson Creek; earth-type dam, 46 ft tall and 880 ft long.
- Surface area
- 27.7 ac
- Normal storage
- 337.7 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 747.1 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 7.2 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Williams County Hwy Dept.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00197 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
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: 2024-10-03
Monitoring stations: 1