Lake Metigoshe is a 1,620-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Bottineau County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 23 feet (9-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Public access is available with 3 public boat landings. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Bottineau County, Lake Metigoshe ranks #1 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
Murky, only visible to about 5.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 9.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.4 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 9.1 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 23.3 ft |
| Average Depth | 8.9 ft |
| Surface Area | 1,620 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 34.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Lake Metigoshe
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Metigoshe
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Lake Metigoshe averages about 60°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 66°F) and coldest in May (about 44°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 Metigoshe water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Bottineau County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Metigoshe holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ALake UpsilonRolette County · 23.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BJarvis Lake CenterRolette County · 23 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BWheaton LakeRolette County · 26 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Bottineau County
Explore Lake Metigoshe across LakeGrade
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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
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake Metigoshe is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Lake Metigoshe Dam (completed 1961), built primarily for recreation on the Oak Creek; earth-type dam, 9 ft tall and 76 ft long.
- Surface area
- 1,620 ac
- Normal storage
- 16,100 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 21,650 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 59 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Oak Creek WRB
All listed purposes: Recreation;Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00024 · 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: 2021-10-11
Monitoring stations: 3