Nichols Lake Northwest Basin is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Newaygo County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 7 documented fish species including Bluegill, Bluntnose minnow, and Green sunfish. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 16 other monitored lakes in Newaygo County, Nichols Lake Northwest Basin ranks #14 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-09-18. 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 14.7 ft. Trophic State Index: 38.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 14.7 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 38 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Where to stay near Nichols Lake Northwest Basin
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Nichols Lake Northwest Basin
Recreation & Access
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of Nichols Lake Northwest Basin, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 50 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #14 of 17 lakes in Newaygo County
Nearby Lakes in Newaygo County
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Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
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Oligotrophic 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: 2023-09-18
Monitoring stations: 1