Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows is a mesotrophic lake in Mason County, Michigan. Water quality is graded A based on 2 sampling years through 2023. Water clarity is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 11 documented fish species including Chestnut lamprey, Emerald shiner, and Freshwater drum. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Mason County, Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows ranks #5 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-09-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
Good clarity, visible to about 13.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 4.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 42.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 13.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.1 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 42 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows
- → Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows fishing forecast & best times (species outlook + 14-day solunar calendar)
- → Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
- → Is it safe to eat fish from Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows? (mercury & PFAS guide)
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -1.75 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.35 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows averages about 71°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 74°F) and coldest in May (about 57°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 1,195 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows water temperature breakdown →
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 65 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #5 of 8 lakes in Mason County
Nearby Lakes in Mason County
Explore Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Mason County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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 A Lakes in Michigan
Manistee County · Excellent
Manistee County · Excellent
Manistee County · Clarity: 10.8 ft
Lake County · Clarity: 18.3 ft
Lake County · Clarity: 19.5 ft
Benzie County · Clarity: 16 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: 2023-09-11
Monitoring stations: 1