Moores Lake is a 29-acre mesotrophic lake in Dickey County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 13 feet (9-foot average). Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Dickey County, Moores Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2021-10-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Murky, only visible to about 6.2 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 2.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 45.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.2 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 2.4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 45 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12.9 ft |
| Average Depth | 8.6 ft |
| Surface Area | 29 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 1.3 mi |
Where to stay near Moores Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Moores Lake
Water Temperature
Moores Lake averages about 63°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 65°F) and coldest in May (about 46°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 18 field readings (2011–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Moores Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Dickey County
Nearby Lakes in Dickey County
Explore Moores Lake across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Dickey County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade B Lakes in North Dakota
Mesotrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Moores Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Moores Dam (completed 1949), built primarily for recreation on the Elm River (James)-TR; earth-type dam, 21 ft tall and 1,065 ft long.
- Surface area
- 29.2 ac
- Normal storage
- 295.5 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 495.8 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 0.63 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Dickey County WRB
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00271 · 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
Most recent sample: 2021-10-08
Monitoring stations: 1