North Pond is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Chippewa County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 11 documented fish species including Blackchin shiner, Bluegill, and Bluntnose minnow. Compared to the 17 other monitored lakes in Chippewa County, North Pond ranks #16 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-09-28. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch North Pond water quality
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, North Pond rarely exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 0.9% of 541 samples across 8 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Michigan’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 25 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 52.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 60.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 25 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 52.7 µg/L | F |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 60 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near North Pond
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near North Pond in Chippewa County, Michigan — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing North Pond
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.1 m/yr | 3 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +9.19 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +20.9 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Water Temperature
North Pond averages about 61°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 65°F) and coldest in Feb (about 45°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 695 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full North Pond water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #16 of 18 lakes in Chippewa County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
North Pond holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASaint Mary'S River Offshore LakeChippewa County · 0.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ASaint Mary'S River Shore LakeChippewa County · 0.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BSpectacle LakeChippewa County · 0.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CBack Bay LakeChippewa County · 1.7 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Chippewa County
Explore North Pond across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Chippewa County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Top lakes and where to stay in the Upper Peninsula area
Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Michigan's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Eutrophic 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: 2022-09-28
Monitoring stations: 1