Lake Whittlesey is a mesotrophic lake in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Water clarity is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 8 documented fish species including Blacknose shiner, Northern pike, and Shortjaw cisco. Compared to the 18 other monitored lakes in Keweenaw County, Lake Whittlesey ranks #15 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2024-08-22. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 11.6 ft. Phosphorus level: 23.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 11.6 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | 23.3 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Lake Whittlesey
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Whittlesey
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.089 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +5.1 µg/L/yr | 4 |
Water Temperature
Lake Whittlesey averages about 67°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 70°F) and coldest in Jun (about 62°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 79 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake Whittlesey water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #15 of 19 lakes in Keweenaw County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Whittlesey holds Grade B. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASiskiwit LakeKeweenaw County · 4.8 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ALake HarveyKeweenaw County · 5.6 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASargent LakeKeweenaw County · 5.7 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Keweenaw County
Explore Lake Whittlesey 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
Michigan's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
Marquette County · Clarity: 12 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 14.5 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 12 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 10.3 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 11.5 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: 2024-08-22
Monitoring stations: 1