Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Oceana County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including Brown trout. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 4 other monitored lakes in Oceana County, Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-10-21. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township water quality
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 9.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 9.6 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township
- → Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township fishing forecast & best times (species outlook + 14-day solunar calendar)
- → Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
- → Is it safe to eat fish from Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township? (mercury & PFAS guide)
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | → Stable | -0.105 m/yr | 4 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -1.6 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township averages about 63°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 66°F) and coldest in Apr (about 50°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 329 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 5 lakes in Oceana County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township holds Grade B. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Oceana County
Explore Pentwater Lake Northwest Basin; Pentwater Township across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Oceana County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
Mason County · Clarity: 10 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 7 ft
Mason County · Clarity: 14 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 11 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 11 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 10.5 ft
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2023-10-21
Monitoring stations: 1