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Beers Lake

lakeOtter Tail County, Minnesota · near Pelican Rapids317 acres59 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Beers Lake

Beers Lake is a 317-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 61 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including muskellunge and largemouth bass. 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 2023.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Maplewood State Park Campground and Beers Hike-in Site are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit to Beers Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 317 acres, up to 61 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: muskellunge and largemouth bass
  • Average water clarity around 14.2 feet — very clear
  • Camping close to the water at Maplewood State Park Campground and Beers Hike-in Site

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Permit or fee required
Managed by
Minnesota DNR

Conditions

Surface area
317 acres
Max depth
61 ft
Shoreline
6.7 mi
Water clarity
14.2 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
96 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
  • Recorded accesses require a permit or fee

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)
  • Camping: Maplewood State Park Campground and Beers Hike-in Site

Best For

  • Lakeside camping
  • Quiet paddling
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
2
Game fish
2
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2023
Special regulations
No
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
No
Boat launch
Yes

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Camping & Reservations

Maplewood State Park Campground and Beers Hike-in Site are mapped on or near Beers Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

Backcountry sites

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingBoatingPaddlingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampCampground

Fish Species

MuskellungeLargemouth Bass

Plan your trip to Beers Lake

Compare Beers Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Beers Lake?

Beers Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 317 acres and reaches 61 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Beers Lake?

Beers Lake covers 317 acres with about 6.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 61 feet.

What fish can you catch at Beers Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Beers Lake?

Yes. Beers Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Beers Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Beers 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 Beers Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Beers Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

Can you camp at Beers Lake?

Yes. Maplewood State Park Campground and Beers Hike-in Site are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.