Shady Lake
Olmsted County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic
Shady Lake earns a D — measurements through 2021 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.
Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. A maximum depth of just 13 ft means sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the water column whenever wind stirs the bottom — a classic shallow-lake dynamic. At 144 acres, Shady Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 9.2 miles of shoreline. Within Olmsted County's 5 graded lakes, Shady Lake ranks 3 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.
No invasive species are currently listed at Shady Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Shady Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Shady Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2021-10-14. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 3.6 ft. Trophic State Index: 59.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.6 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 13 ft |
| Surface Area | 144.17 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 9.2 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 100% |
| Public Access | No |
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.27 m/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 5 lakes in Olmsted County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Shady Lake holds Grade D. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
Nearby Lakes in Olmsted County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Shady Lake
Other Grade D Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
2 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1987-07-09 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| White Sucker | 13.38 | 0.28 lb |
| White Crappie | 11.07 | 0.15 lb |
| SLR | 6.70 | 0.48 lb |
| Common Carp | 6.33 | 1.02 lb |
| Channel Catfish | 5.00 | 0.45 lb |
| QBS | 3.30 | 1.78 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
From the 1987-07-09 survey
Largemouth bass, black and white crappie and bluegill are well represented with several year classes present. Growth is poor for the area. The turbid conditions favor white crappie. Most of the gamefish are too small to be acceptable to anglers. Carp, white sucker, silver and shorthead redhorse are abundant. No…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Shady Lake. 1 report on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — ShadyFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2021-10-14
Monitoring stations: 1