What is the water quality grade for Western Stump Lake?

Western Stump Lake in Nelson County, North Dakota received a water quality grade of F (Very Poor). Water clarity: 4.3 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 154.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 36.7 µg/L. Maximum depth: 77.1 ft. Surface area: 17680.7 acres.

Is Western Stump Lake safe to swim in?

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins. Western Stump Lake has an overall water quality grade of F. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 36.7 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

How deep is Western Stump Lake?

Western Stump Lake has a maximum depth of 77.1 feet and an average depth of 34.9 feet. The lake covers 17680.7 acres.

What fish are in Western Stump Lake?

Fish species found in Western Stump Lake include Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, White Bass. Western Stump Lake is located in Nelson County, North Dakota.

Nelson County, North Dakota

Western Stump Lake

Grade FVery Poor · 4.3 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Western Stump Lake is a 17,681-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Nelson County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 77 feet (35-foot average). Water quality is graded F based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 4 documented fish species including Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Public access is available. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Nelson County, Western Stump Lake ranks #7 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-10-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins

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Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor

Murky, only visible to about 4.3 ft. Phosphorus level: 154.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 36.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 66.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	4.3 ft	D
Phosphorus	154.5 µg/L	F
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	36.7 µg/L	F
Trophic State Index (TSI)	66	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

Characteristic	Value
Maximum Depth	77.1 ft
Average Depth	34.9 ft
Surface Area	17,681 acres
Shoreline Length	91.3 mi
Public Access	Yes

Where to stay near Western Stump Lake

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Fish Species

Yellow Perch Walleye Northern Pike White Bass

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

Fishing Western Stump Lake

Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving

Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	↑ Improving	+1.2 m/yr	4
Phosphorus	↓ Declining	+4 µg/L/yr	4
Chlorophyll-a	↑ Improving	-22.84 µg/L/yr	4

See year-by-year chart →

Water Temperature

Western Stump Lake averages about 61°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 67°F) and coldest in Jan (about 32°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.