Otter Lake
About Otter Lake
Otter Lake is a 75-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface).
Plan Your Visit to Otter Lake
- 75 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 75 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 75 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 (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Otter Lake
Compare Otter Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Swamp River Reservoir
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland165 acres
3.6 miles away
Chester Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland52 acres
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South Fowl Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,586 acres
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Devilfish Lake
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Esther Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland78 acres
5 miles away
Tom Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland404 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 75 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake covers 75 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Otter Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. 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 (gravel or earth). 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.