Ottertrack Lake
About Ottertrack Lake
Ottertrack Lake is a 1,134-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 116 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 38.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, burbot, and tullibee (cisco). The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Ottertrack Lake
- 1,134 acres, up to 116 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, burbot, and tullibee (cisco)
- Average water clarity around 19 feet — very clear
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,134 acres
- Max depth
- 116 ft
- Shoreline
- 38.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 19 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 251 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 4 carry-in accesses
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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ottertrack Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ottertrack Lake?
Ottertrack Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 1,134 acres and reaches 116 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ottertrack Lake?
Ottertrack Lake covers 1,134 acres with about 38.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 116 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ottertrack Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ottertrack Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Ottertrack Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ottertrack 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 Ottertrack Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ottertrack Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.