Mcleod Reservoir is a 38-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Williams County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 35 feet (6-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Williams County, Mcleod Reservoir ranks #7 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-02. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swim with caution, moderate algae may be present
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 16.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 55.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.4 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 16.5 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 55 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 34.6 ft |
| Average Depth | 6.1 ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 4.5 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Mcleod Reservoir
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Mcleod Reservoir
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #7 of 9 lakes in Williams County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Mcleod Reservoir holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BKota Ray Dam LakeWilliams County · 6.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBlacktail Dam LakeWilliams County · 26.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CWhite Earth Dam LakeMountrail County · 21.2 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Williams County
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Mcleod Reservoir is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Ray Railroad Dam (completed 1890), built primarily for recreation on the Beaver Creek; earth-type dam, 20 ft tall and 740 ft long.
- Surface area
- 38 ac
- Normal storage
- 0 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 1,103 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 11.5 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- City Of Ray
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00230 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
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: 2024-10-02
Monitoring stations: 1