Lake Audubon is a 19,095-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in McLean County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 59 feet (19-foot average). Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 11 documented fish species including Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in McLean County, Lake Audubon ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake Audubon water quality
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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 4.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 4.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.7 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.7 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 59.4 ft |
| Average Depth | 19.2 ft |
| Surface Area | 19,095 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 113 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Lake Audubon
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Audubon
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 3 lakes in McLean County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Audubon holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AQacmainstfbk LakeMercer County · 13.1 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BQacmainstdup LakeMercer County · 13.1 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BArroda LakeOliver County · 24.9 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BVelva Sportsmans Dam LakeWard County · 25.4 mi · Higher overall water quality score
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake Audubon is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Garrison Dam - Snake Creek Embankment (completed 1952), built primarily for other on the MISSOURI; earth-type dam, 95 ft tall and 12,900 ft long.
- Surface area
- 19,095 ac
- Normal storage
- 346,419 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 396,000 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 250 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- USACE - Omaha District
All listed purposes: Other;Irrigation;Fish and Wildlife Pond;Recreation;Water Supply.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00145 · Operator website
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-10-08
Monitoring stations: 1