Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Dade County, Missouri. Water quality is graded C based on 3 sampling years through 2024. Water clarity is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2024-09-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 4.3 ft. Phosphorus level: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.3 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 20 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 8 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 52 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm
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Fishing Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Source: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database. Hover a chip to see scientific name, ecological context, status, and first-observed year.
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.039 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | → Stable | +0.3 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.24 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm averages about 83°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 85°F) and coldest in Apr (about 61°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 64 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Dade County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BStockton Lake by DamCedar County · 10.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BStockton State Park Marina LakeCedar County · 4.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BStockton LakeCedar County · 5.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Dade County
Explore Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Missouri
Hickory County · Clarity: 4.8 ft
Benton County · Clarity: 3.8 ft
Camden County · Clarity: 3 ft
Camden County · Fair
Barry County · Clarity: 2.6 ft
Stone County · Clarity: 5.2 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Stockton Lake-L.Sac Arm under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits.
- Usace Cedar Ridge WwtfStockton · 1.6 mi away · NPDES MO0060101
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-09-17
Monitoring stations: 1