Rose Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Shiawassee County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 17 documented fish species including American brook lamprey, Black bullhead, and Blackchin shiner. Compared to the 5 other monitored lakes in Shiawassee County, Rose Lake ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-09-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 15 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 56.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 15 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 56 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Rose Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Rose Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +1.625 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -4.25 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Water Temperature
Rose Lake averages about 69°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 71°F) and coldest in May (about 59°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 108 field readings (2021–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Rose Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 6 lakes in Shiawassee County
Nearby Lakes in Shiawassee County
Explore Rose Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Shiawassee 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 C Lakes in Michigan
Genesee County · Clarity: 9 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Clinton County · Clarity: 9 ft
Clinton County · Clarity: 9 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Rose Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040802030205-05 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.11 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2023-09-15
Monitoring stations: 1