Lake George is a 104-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in McHenry County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 29 feet (8-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in McHenry County, Lake George ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2021-10-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 2.5 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 7.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 57.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.5 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 7.4 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 57 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 28.9 ft |
| Average Depth | 8.1 ft |
| Surface Area | 104 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2.2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Lake George
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake George
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Lake George averages about 60°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 62°F) and coldest in May (about 47°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2021–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake George water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 3 lakes in McHenry County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake George holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ARound LakeMcHenry County · 9.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BVelva Sportsmans Dam LakeWard County · 28.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CBuffalo Lodge LakeMcHenry County · 21.3 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in McHenry County
Explore Lake George across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in McHenry County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
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
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2021-10-11
Monitoring stations: 1