Perch Lakes is a mesotrophic lake in Otsego County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Golden shiner, Iowa darter, and Pumpkinseed. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 12 other monitored lakes in Otsego County, Perch Lakes ranks #12 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-08-20. 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 10.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 43.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 10.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 43 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Perch Lakes
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Perch Lakes
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +6.04 m/yr | 2 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -1 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #12 of 13 lakes in Otsego County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Perch Lakes holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Otsego County
Explore Perch Lakes across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Otsego County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Michigan's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
Kalkaska County · Clarity: 12.5 ft
Kalkaska County · Clarity: 12.5 ft
Charlevoix County · Clarity: 11.5 ft
Montmorency County · Clarity: 13 ft
Crawford County · Clarity: 6.5 ft
Charlevoix County · Clarity: 13.3 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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2022-08-20
Monitoring stations: 1