Beaver dam breach causes altered conditions on Michigan’s Lake Angeline in Marquette County

July 18, 2025
Contact: Cory Kovacs (DNR Fisheries) 906-287-0816, Mitch Koetje (EGLE) 906-202-1464 or John Pepin (DNR media), 906-250-7260

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have investigated reports of high and discolored water on Lake Angeline, located south of Ishpeming in Marquette County.

The cause was determined to be a naturally occurring breach of a beaver dam. There are no known or safety concerns preventing public access to the lake.

The beaver pond upstream of Lake Angeline drained early Thursday, causing reddish sediment in the water and water level rise on the popular fishing lake.

Officials from the city of Ishpeming are aware of the lake conditions and met with DNR and EGLE staff on site Thursday. No dead fish were observed by personnel during the investigation. However, the public is encouraged to report any observations of fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.

Additional assistance in the investigation was provided by the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and the Superior Watershed Partnership. Recent significant rain events may have contributed to higher water levels, resulting in the breach of the aging beaver dam. The beaver pond is currently stable, and water levels on Lake Angeline are not expected to rise any farther due to the breach. Residents and visitors who visit Lake Angeline may continue to safely access the lake to boat and fish. The water level and turbidity (amount of sediment carried in the water) may be higher than typical for the usually calm, clear lake. Conditions are expected to recover naturally. The DNR maintains a boating access site at the lake for public access.