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LakeQuality
B

Simian Lake

St. Louis County, MinnesotaEutrophic

Simian Lake comes in at a B on the grading rubric — a respectable showing for a Minnesota lake of its size and depth. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. 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. Among the 187 graded lakes in St. Louis County, Simian Lake sits at rank 78, above the county median.

No invasive species are currently listed at Simian Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Simian Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The lake lacks a documented public access point, so visitor use is limited. 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 2024-10-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

Murky, only visible to about 4.5 ft. Phosphorus level: 25 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)4.5 ftD
Phosphorus25 µg/LB
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)4.6 µg/LA
Trophic State Index (TSI)51Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Improving+0.276 m/yr5
Phosphorus Improving-7 µg/L/yr2
Chlorophyll-a Declining+1.64 µg/L/yr6

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #78 of 187 lakes in St. Louis County

Nearby Lakes in St. Louis County

State Parks Near Simian Lake

Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2024-10-03

Monitoring stations: 1