What is the water quality grade for Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows?

Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows in Mason County, Michigan received a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 6.5 ft visibility. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 11.5 µg/L.

Is Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows safe to swim in?

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows has an overall water quality grade of C. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 11.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Mason County, Michigan

Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows

Grade CFair · 6.5 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Mason County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Blackchin shiner, Bluntnose minnow, and Mimic shiner. Public access is available. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Mason County, Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows ranks #8 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-09-12. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

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Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Murky, only visible to about 6.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 11.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	6.5 ft	D
Phosphorus	No data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	11.5 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	52	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows in Mason 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.

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Fish Species

Blackchin shiner Bluntnose minnow Mimic shiner Sand shiner Western banded killifish Yellow perch

Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.

Fishing Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows

Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining

Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	↓ Declining	-0.625 m/yr	3
Chlorophyll-a	↓ Declining	+1 µg/L/yr	3

Water Temperature

Upper Hamlin Lake West Basin East of the Narrows averages about 70°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 72°F) and coldest in May (about 59°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.