Sugar Island Lake is a mesotrophic 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, Sugar Island Lake ranks #11 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2025-08-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Sugar Island Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.2 ft. Phosphorus level: 21.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.2 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 21.5 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Sugar Island Lake
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Fishing Sugar Island Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | → Stable | 0 m/yr | 2 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +5.9 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Water Temperature
Sugar Island Lake averages about 61°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 68°F) and coldest in Apr (about 44°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 176 field readings (2010–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Sugar Island Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #11 of 18 lakes in Chippewa County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Sugar Island Lake holds Grade B. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASaint Mary'S River Offshore LakeChippewa County · 18.9 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASaint Mary'S River Shore LakeChippewa County · 19 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BBack Bay Deep LakeChippewa County · 17.5 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Chippewa County
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade B Lakes in Michigan
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: 2025-08-15
Monitoring stations: 1