North Carlson Lake is a 87-acre mesotrophic lake in Ward County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 25 feet (10-foot average). Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Ward County, North Carlson Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch North Carlson Lake water quality
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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 3.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 2.9 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.7 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 2.9 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 24.7 ft |
| Average Depth | 9.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 1.4 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near North Carlson Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing North Carlson Lake
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Source: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database. Hover a chip to see scientific name, ecological context, status, and first-observed year.
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 4 lakes in Ward County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
North Carlson Lake holds Grade B. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AQacmainstfbk LakeMercer County · 29.4 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BVelva Sportsmans Dam LakeWard County · 23.3 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BQacmainstdup LakeMercer County · 29.4 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Ward County
Explore North Carlson Lake across LakeGrade
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Mesotrophic Lakes in North Dakota
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
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-10-08
Monitoring stations: 1