Lake Ashtabula is a 5,470-acre mesotrophic lake in Barnes County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 43 feet (13-foot average). Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 10 documented fish species including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. Public access is available with 3 public boat landings. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Barnes County, Lake Ashtabula ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-05-28. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Murky, only visible to about 6.6 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.6 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 42.8 ft |
| Average Depth | 13 ft |
| Surface Area | 5,470 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 74 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Lake Ashtabula
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Ashtabula
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 4 lakes in Barnes County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Ashtabula holds Grade B. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Barnes County
Explore Lake Ashtabula across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Barnes 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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Compare Lake Ashtabula With Nearby Lakes
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake Ashtabula is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Baldhill Dam (completed 1950), built primarily for flood risk reduction on the SHEYENNE RIVER; concrete-type dam, 60 ft tall and 1,800 ft long.
- Surface area
- 5,470 ac
- Normal storage
- 69,500 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 156,000 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 8,078 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- USACE - St. Paul District
All listed purposes: Flood Risk Reduction;Recreation;Water Supply.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00309 · Operator website
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Lake Ashtabula under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Baldhill Dam NfhValley City · 1.9 mi away · NPDES ND0000132Recent violation
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
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-05-28
Monitoring stations: 3