South Bar Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Leelanau County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. Compared to the 20 other monitored lakes in Leelanau County, South Bar Lake ranks #21 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-09-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch South Bar Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.3 ft. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.3 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near South Bar Lake
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Fishing South Bar Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +2.525 m/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -1.9 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of South Bar Lake, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 13 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #21 of 21 lakes in Leelanau County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
South Bar Lake holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Leelanau County
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Benzie County · Clarity: 8 ft
Benzie County · Clarity: 7.5 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 8 ft
Wexford County · Clarity: 9.3 ft
Wexford County · Clarity: 8.5 ft
Mason County · Clarity: 6.5 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
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
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2022-09-16
Monitoring stations: 1