Five of the clearest boating lakes in the US can be found in Wisconsin

Five Wisconsin lakes rank among the clearest public boating lakes in the entire US, according to BoatBooker’s analysis of EPA/USGS water quality data. Blackhawk Lake leads the state at #7 nationwide with a median turbidity of just 0.50 NTU, placing it in Tier 1B Exceptional. Four more Wisconsin lakes follow – Long Interlaken Lake (#11), Spectacle Lake (#17), Mole Lake (#67), and North Twin (#77).

For reference, US drinking water standards require below 1 NTU. Blackhawk Lake’s water is twice as clear as that threshold – delivering exceptional, near glass-like visibility in calm conditions.

The seven clearest public boating lakes in the US, according to BoatBooker’s analysis:

#1 Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Utah – 0.00 NTU

#2 North Lake, Minnesota – 0.15 NTU

#3 Flathead Lake, Montana – 0.30 NTU

#3 Silver Lake, New Hampshire – 0.30 NTU

#5 West Okoboji Lake, Iowa – 0.40 NTU

#6 Lava Lake, Oregon – 0.48 NTU

#7 Blackhawk Lake, Wisconsin – 0.50 NTU

Only 82 public lakes across the US made BoatBooker’s final list, out of 230+ that initially met the clarity threshold, after verifying public boating access for each one.

I put together a full press kit with the data sheet, complete ranking of all lakes, and methodology here: 

Link to Dropbox: America’s Clearest Boating Lakes of 2026

About BoatBooker

BoatBooker is the leading platform for connecting boat captains and people looking to book a boat tour, with more than 17,600 trips available in 1,050 destinations worldwide.

With boating season just around the corner, would your readers be interested in knowing their local lakes rank among the clearest in the country?