South Golden Lake is a 330-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Steele County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 17 feet (12-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Steele County, South Golden Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2020-10-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch South Golden Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 6.2 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 12.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.2 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 12.2 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 17 ft |
| Average Depth | 11.6 ft |
| Surface Area | 330 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 3.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near South Golden Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing South Golden Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
South Golden Lake averages about 65°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 68°F) and coldest in Oct (about 50°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 15 field readings (2010–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full South Golden Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 3 lakes in Steele County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
South Golden Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BLake AshtabulaBarnes County · 29.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CCarlson-Tande Dam LakeGriggs County · 22.2 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Steele County
Explore South Golden Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Steele County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
South Golden Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Golden Lake Dam (completed 1957), built primarily for recreation on the Beaver Creek; earth-type dam, 21 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 330 ac
- Normal storage
- 5,000 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 5,000 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 0 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- ND Game & Fish
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00409 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.26 km)
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
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2020-10-07
Monitoring stations: 1