North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Kalkaska County, Michigan. Water quality is graded A based on 2 sampling years through 2023. 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 South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township ranks #22 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-09-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township water quality
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Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
Good clarity, visible to about 13.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 2.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 39.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 13.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 2.2 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 39 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Where to stay near North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township
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Fish Species
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Fishing North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township
- → North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township fishing forecast & best times (species outlook + 14-day solunar calendar)
- → North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
- → Is it safe to eat fish from North Crooked Lake South Central Basin; Blue Lake Township? (mercury & PFAS guide)
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 #22 of 24 lakes in Kalkaska County
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Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
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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: 2023-09-10
Monitoring stations: 1