---
type: lake
name: "Ottertrack Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1134
max_depth_ft: 116
latitude: 48.16985
longitude: -91.09739
lake_score: 61
dnr_lake_id: "38021100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ottertrack-lake
---

# Ottertrack Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 1,134 acres
- **Max Depth**: 116 ft
- **Shoreline**: 38.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 19 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Carry-in access only
- **Lake Score**: 61/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Carry-in access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Rabbit Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/rabbit-lake) - 0.8 miles, 117 acres
- [Ester Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ester-lake) - 1.3 miles, 374 acres
- [Gijikiki Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/gijikiki-lake) - 1.5 miles, 113 acres
- [Ashdick Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ashdick-lake) - 2 miles, 109 acres
- [Hanson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/hanson-lake) - 2.2 miles, 289 acres
- [Cherry Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/cherry-lake) - 2.3 miles, 153 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.16985,-91.09739)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38021100)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ottertrack-lake)*