Otter Lake
About Otter Lake
Otter Lake is a 302-acre lake near Bald Eagle in Anoka County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2019.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 3, based on 32 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Otter Lake
- 302 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Bald Eagle
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.3 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 302 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 299 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 3
- Years of record
- 32
- Earliest
- March 7, 2000
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 27, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Otter Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bald Eagle Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · White Bear Lake1,049 acres
1.3 miles away
Centerville Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Centerville (Anoka)474 acres
3.1 miles away
Pleasant Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · North Oaks607 acres
3.5 miles away
Reshanau Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Lino Lakes337 acres
3.5 miles away
Goose Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Lake Shore Park115 acres
3.9 miles away
White Bear Lake
80 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · White Bear Lake2,428 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake is in Anoka County, Minnesota, near Bald Eagle. It covers 302 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake covers 302 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Otter Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Otter Lake?
Yes. Otter Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Otter Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Otter Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Otter Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Otter Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Otter Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 32 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2000 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does Otter Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Otter Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.