Schultz Lake
Dakota County, MinnesotaMesotrophic
On the LakeGrade scale Schultz Lake grades a B, with clarity at 8.5 ft and 20 µg/L of phosphorus placing it above the Minnesota median. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.
A TSI near 47 places Schultz Lake in the mesotrophic band — moderate productivity, with seasonal swings between clearer spring water and richer late-summer conditions. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Schultz Lake ranks 3 of 36 in Dakota County, putting it in the upper tier of locally monitored lakes.
Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Schultz Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Schultz Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Schultz Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. Multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies back the grade, so the letter should hold steady absent a major watershed shift.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2023-09-27. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.5 ft. Phosphorus level: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 20 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.8 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Invasive Species
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.094 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +0.6 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +1.1 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 36 lakes in Dakota County
Nearby Lakes in Dakota County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Schultz 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: 2023-09-27
Monitoring stations: 1