What is the water quality grade for Lake Laretta?

Lake Laretta in Nelson County, North Dakota received a water quality grade of D (Poor). Water clarity: 3.8 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 266 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 21.7 µg/L. Maximum depth: 24 ft. Surface area: 682.6 acres.

Is Lake Laretta safe to swim in?

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Lake Laretta has an overall water quality grade of D. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 21.7 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

How deep is Lake Laretta?

Lake Laretta has a maximum depth of 24 feet and an average depth of 14.9 feet. The lake covers 682.6 acres.

What fish are in Lake Laretta?

Fish species found in Lake Laretta include Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye. Lake Laretta is located in Nelson County, North Dakota.

Nelson County, North Dakota

Lake Laretta

Grade DPoor · 3.8 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Lake Laretta is a 683-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Nelson County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 24 feet (15-foot average). Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Nelson County, Lake Laretta ranks #6 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-10-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

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Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 3.8 ft. Phosphorus level: 266 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 21.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	3.8 ft	D
Phosphorus	266 µg/L	F
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	21.7 µg/L	D
Trophic State Index (TSI)	68	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

Characteristic	Value
Maximum Depth	24 ft
Average Depth	14.9 ft
Surface Area	683 acres
Shoreline Length	8 mi

Where to stay near Lake Laretta

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Lake Laretta in Nelson County, North Dakota — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.

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Fish Species

Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye

Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.

Fishing Lake Laretta

Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving

Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	↑ Improving	+9.95 m/yr	4
Phosphorus	→ Stable	-3.1 µg/L/yr	4
Chlorophyll-a	↑ Improving	-4.63 µg/L/yr	4

See year-by-year chart →

Water Temperature

Lake Laretta averages about 67°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 73°F) and coldest in Feb (about 35°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.