Scotch Lake

Scotch Lake pulls a D on the LakeGrade rubric — phosphorus loading and limited clarity hold it below the Minnesota average. High phosphorus is the leading drag on the score — likely from upland agriculture, lawn runoff, or in-lake sediment release.

At a TSI of 68, Scotch Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. Scotch Lake is a shallow lake at 11 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. Scotch Lake covers 598 acres alongside 4.5 miles of shoreline — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins. Scotch Lake ranks 5 of 14 in Le Sueur County — solidly in the upper half of the local distribution.

Scotch Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2024, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 5 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. A documented public access point at Scotch Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. Multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies back the grade, so the letter should hold steady absent a major watershed shift.