Shabbona Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in DeKalb County, Illinois. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2022. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Illinois DNR, last sampled 2022-10-03. 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 4.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 27.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.9 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 27.5 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Shabbona Lake
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Fishing Shabbona Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Shabbona Lake averages about 73°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 75°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 481 field readings (2012–2022) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Shabbona Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in DeKalb County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Shabbona Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in DeKalb County
Explore Shabbona Lake across LakeGrade
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Eutrophic Lakes in Illinois
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Shabbona Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Shabbona Lake Dam (completed 1974), built primarily for other on the INDIAN CREEK; earth-type dam, 56 ft tall and 2,570 ft long.
- Normal storage
- 4,275 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 6,387 ac-ft
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
All listed purposes: Other;Recreation.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID IL01202 · Operator website
EPA Impairment Status
Shabbona 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 IL_VTU · Official waterbody report
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2022-10-03
Monitoring stations: 3