Pug Hole Lake
Beltrami County, MinnesotaMesotrophic
Pug Hole Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Water clarity is improving over recent sampling years. Compared to the 91 other monitored lakes in Beltrami County, Pug Hole Lake ranks #59 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2025-10-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 10.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 6.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 10.7 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 6.2 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.323 m/yr | 2 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +0.87 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #59 of 92 lakes in Beltrami County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pug Hole Lake holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ACass LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ABuck LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Beltrami County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Pug Hole Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Minnesota
Mesotrophic Lakes in Minnesota
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-10-15
Monitoring stations: 1