Water color is still looking excellent for this time of the season. While many lakes in Ohio continue to see increased cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms, Lake Mohawk remains largely unaffected by these blooms.
The southern portion of the lake and associated bays such as 7,8,9,10, and parts of 11 which are relatively shallow (Depth Map), are visibly different in color and clarity from the larger northern portion of the lake which is a mix of green and brown from microscopic algae and sediment suspension. Brown color is especially noticeble in bays 9/10 also known as barefoot bay. Lake sediments in the southern portion of the lake are easily mixed into the water column by boat motor and wind and wave action creating ideal conditions for blue-green algae growth. Considering the prevailing winds are often from the south/south west and the lake flows to the north, these turbid nutrient rich water conditions eventually moves to the northern basin of the lake. Nutrient recycling (internal loading) from the northern basin lake sediments (lake sediments chemically release phosphorus by the ferric to ferrous phosphate reaction under anaerobic/no oxygen conditions) also significantly contribute to August/September algal blooms. Phosphorus binding products like Eutrosorb by SeaPro can help prevent/reduce these types of algale blooms fwiw. Increasing NO Wake Zones is also very effective at reducing suspended phosphorus but not likely. Tolerance for increased NO Wake Zones would not be popular among many members of the L.M.P.O.A.. The table below illustrates how lake sediments are affected by boat motors of various horsepower.
Unfortunately, cloud and smoke cover from the Canadian forest fires prevented satellite imagery of the lake this past week which detects blue-green algae blooms. (See Most Recent Report 8 – Click Here). Regardless, on-site water color assessments provide the most accurate measure of the lake in terms of water quality conditions.
Wow! That looks fun! Surfing off of West Beach on July 30, 2026.
