Otter Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Benzie County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 30 documented fish species including Bigmouth shiner, Black bullhead, and Black crappie. Compared to the 34 other monitored lakes in Benzie County, Otter Lake ranks #22 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2021-09-09. 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 ft. Trophic State Index: 41.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 12 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 Otter Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Otter Lake
Water Temperature
Otter Lake averages about 73°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 76°F) and coldest in Oct (about 60°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 48 field readings (2010–2011) via the EPA Water Quality Portal.
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #22 of 35 lakes in Benzie County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Otter Lake holds Grade B. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Benzie County
Explore Otter 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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Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
Leelanau County · Clarity: 8.5 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 9 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 13 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 8.6 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft
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: 2021-09-09
Monitoring stations: 1