Spectacle Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Chippewa County, Michigan. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Compared to the 17 other monitored lakes in Chippewa County, Spectacle Lake ranks #13 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2025-10-09. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Spectacle Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Spectacle Lake never exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 0% of 5 samples across 3 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Michigan’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 21.9 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 10.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 21.9 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 10.4 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Spectacle Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Spectacle Lake in Chippewa County, Michigan — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Spectacle Lake
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Fishing Spectacle Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +1.365 m/yr | 4 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +3.19 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +89.1 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Water Temperature
Spectacle Lake averages about 70°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 71°F) and coldest in Feb (about 35°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 175 field readings (2010–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Spectacle Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of Spectacle Lake, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 5 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #13 of 18 lakes in Chippewa County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Spectacle Lake holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASaint Mary'S River Offshore LakeChippewa County · 1.6 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASaint Mary'S River Shore LakeChippewa County · 1.5 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Chippewa County
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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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: 2025-10-09
Monitoring stations: 1