Phelps Lake

On the LakeGrade rubric Phelps Lake fails the cutoffs — a TSI of 77 and persistent algal pressure put it in the bottom tier. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

Hypereutrophic conditions mean the lake is operating at the upper end of the productivity scale, with all the bloom risk that implies. Phelps Lake is a shallow lake at 8 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. At 303 acres, Phelps Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 3.0 miles of shoreline. Phelps Lake ranks 17 of 17 in Rice County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

No invasive species are currently listed at Phelps Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Phelps Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. A documented public access point at Phelps Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The lake has a partial ice record — 14 observed ice-outs, centered near Mar 27. The grade is supported by multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies, giving the letter a reasonably stable foundation.