B

Sanford Lake

Benzie County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

Sanford Lake is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Benzie County, MI. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 17 documented fish species including Black crappie, Blackside darter, and Bluegill. Compared to the 34 other monitored lakes in Benzie County, Sanford Lake ranks #29 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-09-02. 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 14.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 39.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	14.5 ft	B
Phosphorus	No data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)	39	Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Fish Species

Black crappie Blackside darter Bluegill Bluntnose minnow Central stoneroller Common shiner Creek chub Golden shiner Hornyhead chub Johnny darter Largemouth bass Northern logperch Pumpkinseed Rock bass Smallmouth bass Spotfin shiner Yellow perch

Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.

→ Best fishing times for Sanford Lake (14-day solunar calendar)

→ Is it safe to eat fish from Sanford Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)

→ Sanford Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #29 of 35 lakes in Benzie County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Sanford Lake holds Grade B. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Benzie County

Crystal Lake Central Basin; Lake Township Section 12

More Wisconsin Lake Rankings

Cleanest lakes in Wisconsin

Top 25 by overall water quality score

Best swimming lakes in Wisconsin

Grade A/B + low algae filter

Family fishing lakes in Wisconsin

Panfish-rich, public access

All Wisconsin lakes

Full state directory

Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin

Middle Lake; Elba Township; Section 13

Lapeer County · Clarity: 9.5 ft

Livingston County · Clarity: 13 ft

Bear Lake East Basin; Pleasanton Township

Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft

Lake County · Clarity: 14 ft

Cass County · Clarity: 10.5 ft

Byram Lake West Central Basin; Fenton Township

Genesee County · Clarity: 10 ft

Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin

Windover Lake South Basin; Freeman Township Squaw Lake Moon Lake Central Basin; Watersmeet Township Camp Lake

EPA Impairment Status

Sanford Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).

Causes of impairment

MercuryOxygen depletion (low DO)

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040601040202-01 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.5 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: 2022-09-02

Monitoring stations: 1