Pomroy Lake
Kanabec County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic
Pomroy Lake earns a D — measurements through 2022 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.
Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. Pomroy Lake is a shallow lake at 11 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. Pomroy Lake covers 412 acres alongside 6.1 miles of shoreline — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins. Pomroy Lake ranks 3 of 7 in Kanabec County — solidly in the upper half of the local distribution.
No invasive species are currently listed at Pomroy Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 9 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. A documented public access point at Pomroy Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2022-09-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 5.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 11 ft |
| Average Depth | 5.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 412.2 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 6.1 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 100% |
| Public Access | Yes |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Pomroy Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Pomroy Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Pomroy Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.15 m/yr | 3 |
Ice Season
Historical ice data from Minnesota DNR (6 observations).
Estimated open water season: 221 days
| Earliest | Latest | |
|---|---|---|
| Ice-Out | 2003-04-15 (2003) | 2003-04-19 (2003) |
| Ice-In | 2002-11-12 (2002) | 2006-12-30 (2006) |
Most recent ice-out: 2007-04-16
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 7 lakes in Kanabec County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pomroy Lake holds Grade D. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Kanabec County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Pomroy Lake
Other Grade D Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
8 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 2019-09-02 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bullhead | 34.66 | 0.22 lb |
| Bluegill | 10.28 | 0.21 lb |
| Yellow Perch | 9.76 | 0.15 lb |
| Largemouth Bass | 9.54 | 1.12 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 6.31 | 0.17 lb |
| Walleye | 3.44 | 2.69 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
Length Distributions
Number of fish caught at each inch class in the most recent survey that recorded lengths. Red dashed line marks an approximate trophy threshold for that species.
Black Bullhead
Bluegill
Yellow Perch
Largemouth Bass
From the 2019-09-02 survey
Pomroy is a 422 acre shallow, soft water lake assigned to lake class 39. The shore is predominately sand with some silt. Water color is bog stained but clarity is generally good. Pomroy is subject to frequent winter kills of varying degrees, the latest on record having occurred during the winter of 2013-14. To…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Pomroy Lake. 4 reports on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — PomroyFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Pomroy (0285)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Fish Stocking History — PomroyFish Stocking History · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Public Water Access Sites — PomroyPublic Water Access Sites · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Ice data from Minnesota DNR Climate
Most recent sample: 2022-09-13
Monitoring stations: 1