North Golden Lake is a 313-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Steele County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 13 feet (7-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Steele County, North Golden Lake ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2020-10-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch North Golden Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Swim with caution, moderate algae may be present
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 3.8 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 18.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 59.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.8 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 18.5 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12.6 ft |
| Average Depth | 7.3 ft |
| Surface Area | 313 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 5.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near North Golden Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing North Golden Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
North Golden Lake averages about 64°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 66°F) and coldest in May (about 49°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2020–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full North Golden Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 3 lakes in Steele County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
North Golden Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Steele County
Explore North Golden Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Steele County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
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Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
North Golden Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the North Golden Lake (completed 1957), built primarily for recreation on the Beaver Creek; earth-type dam, 13 ft tall and 200 ft long.
- Surface area
- 313 ac
- Normal storage
- 2,950 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 2,950 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 0.25 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Steele County Park Board
All listed purposes: Recreation;Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00410 · Operator website
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: 2020-10-07
Monitoring stations: 1