Buchanan Lake
About Buchanan Lake
Buchanan Lake is a 964-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2014.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Buchanan Lake
- 964 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9.5 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
- 964 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 835 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)
Best For
- Northern Pike fishing
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- 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 Buchanan Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Donalds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail166 acres
2.1 miles away
Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail269 acres
2.5 miles away
Round Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail273 acres
3 miles away
Rush Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail5,276 acres
3.1 miles away
Head Lake
18 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Richville400 acres
3.6 miles away
West Leaf Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail700 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buchanan Lake?
Buchanan Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 964 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Buchanan Lake?
Buchanan Lake covers 964 acres with about 7.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Buchanan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Buchanan Lake?
Yes. Buchanan Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Buchanan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Buchanan 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 Buchanan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Buchanan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Buchanan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Buchanan 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.