Traverse Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Roberts County, South Dakota. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 4 public boat landings. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Roberts County, Traverse Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, South Dakota DNR, last sampled 2022-09-06. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Traverse Lake never exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 0% of 10 samples across 2 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check South Dakota’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 173 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.9 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 173 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 68 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Traverse Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Traverse Lake in Roberts County, South Dakota — 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.
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Fishing Traverse Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.53 m/yr | 2 |
| Phosphorus | → Stable | -3 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Traverse Lake averages about 76°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 78°F) and coldest in Sep (about 64°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 25 field readings (2016–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Traverse Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Roberts County
Nearby Lakes in Roberts County
Explore Traverse Lake across LakeGrade
More South Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in South Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in South Dakota
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2022-09-06
Monitoring stations: 1