Blanche Lake
About Blanche Lake
Blanche Lake is a 1,296-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 64 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 23 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Blanche Lake
- 1,296 acres, up to 64 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.7 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,296 acres
- Max depth
- 64 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,002 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 23
- Earliest
- March 15, 2016
- Latest
- May 9, 2013
- Most recent
- April 16, 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 Blanche Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Annie Battle Lake
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1.4 miles away
Ethel Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail191 acres
1.8 miles away
Molly Stark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake152 acres
2.3 miles away
Otter Tail Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail14,079 acres
3.7 miles away
West Battle Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake5,615 acres
3.8 miles away
First Silver Lake
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4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blanche Lake?
Blanche Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 1,296 acres and reaches 64 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Blanche Lake?
Blanche Lake covers 1,296 acres with about 5.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 64 feet.
What fish can you catch at Blanche Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Blanche Lake?
Yes. Blanche Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Blanche Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Blanche 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 Blanche Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Blanche Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Blanche Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 23 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2016 and the latest is May 9, 2013.
Does Blanche Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Blanche Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.