Lake Desor is a mesotrophic lake in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including Lake whitefish. Compared to the 18 other monitored lakes in Keweenaw County, Lake Desor ranks #16 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2024-08-21. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake Desor water quality
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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 7.8 ft. Phosphorus level: 22.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 22.7 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Lake Desor
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Desor
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.167 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +1.34 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Water Temperature
Lake Desor averages about 62°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Sep (about 66°F) and coldest in May (about 45°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 989 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake Desor water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #16 of 19 lakes in Keweenaw County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Desor holds Grade B. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASiskiwit LakeKeweenaw County · 8.8 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ALake HarveyKeweenaw County · 10.1 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BFeldtmann LakeKeweenaw County · 12.2 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BBeaver LakeKeweenaw County · 12.7 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BLake WhittleseyKeweenaw County · 13.6 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Keweenaw County
Explore Lake Desor across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Keweenaw County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
Gogebic County · Clarity: 10.3 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 12 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 11.5 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 11.5 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 12 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
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
Most recent sample: 2024-08-21
Monitoring stations: 1