Lake Mecosta is a mesotrophic lake in Mecosta County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Mecosta County, Lake Mecosta ranks #11 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-09-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Lake Mecosta
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Fishing Lake Mecosta
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +1.51 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.15 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #11 of 12 lakes in Mecosta County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Mecosta holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ABlue Lake North Central BasinMecosta County · 1.5 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- AHorsehead Lake Northwest Basin; Martiny TownshipMecosta County · 5.7 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BMecosta Lake North Basin; Morton TownshipMecosta County · 1.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BRound Lake North BasinMecosta County · 1.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Mecosta County
Explore Lake Mecosta across LakeGrade
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Montcalm County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Montcalm County · Clarity: 9 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 9 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 8 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 8 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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2022-09-15
Monitoring stations: 1