Round Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Mecosta County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 37 documented fish species including Black bullhead, Black crappie, and Blackchin shiner. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Mecosta County, Round Lake ranks #10 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-09-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Round Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Round Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.875 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | → Stable | +0.1 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of Round Lake, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 45 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #10 of 12 lakes in Mecosta County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Round Lake holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ABlue Lake North Central BasinMecosta County · 1.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- AHorsehead Lake Northwest Basin; Martiny TownshipMecosta County · 4.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BMecosta Lake North Basin; Morton TownshipMecosta County · 0.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BRound Lake North BasinMecosta County · 0.2 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Mecosta County
Explore Round Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Mecosta 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 C Lakes in Michigan
Montcalm County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Montcalm County · Clarity: 9 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 9 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Newaygo County · Clarity: 4.5 ft
Clare County · Clarity: 8 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.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Round Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits.
- Woolfolk Compressor StationBig Rapids · 3.4 mi away · NPDES MIG670177
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2022-09-15
Monitoring stations: 1