North Crooked Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Kalkaska County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Golden shiner, Iowa darter, and Smallmouth bass. Compared to the 23 other monitored lakes in Kalkaska County, North Crooked Lake ranks #23 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-09-10. 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 12.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 41.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 12.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 41 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near North Crooked Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing North Crooked Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +2.925 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.2 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #23 of 24 lakes in Kalkaska County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
North Crooked Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AEagle Lake Central Basin; Blue Lake TownshipKalkaska County · 1.9 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AIndian Lake Northeast Basin; Blue Lake TownshipKalkaska County · 2.7 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ANorth Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake TownshipKalkaska County · 0.1 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASquaw Lake Central Basin; Blue Lake TownshipKalkaska County · 2.8 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Kalkaska County
Explore North Crooked Lake across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Kalkaska County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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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
Most recent sample: 2022-09-10
Monitoring stations: 1