Dead Lake
About Dead Lake
Dead Lake is a 7,546-acre lake near Dent in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 41 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 126 Otter Tail County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the township and 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 14, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Dead Lake
- 7,546 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Dent
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the township and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 6.2 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 7,546 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 41 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 6,537 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 14
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 2, 2008
- Most recent
- April 19, 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 Dead Lake
Compare Dead Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Dead Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Dead Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Dead Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Dead Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pickerel Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Maine849 acres
4.5 miles away
Walker Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail578 acres
4.6 miles away
Star Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent4,486 acres
4.8 miles away
Round Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent173 acres
5.3 miles away
Twin Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor369 acres
5.4 miles away
Lake Marion
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Richville1,624 acres
5.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dead Lake?
Dead Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. It covers 7,546 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dead Lake?
Dead Lake covers 7,546 acres with about 41 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dead Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dead Lake?
Yes. Dead Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the township and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dead Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dead 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 Dead Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dead Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Dead Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 2, 2008.
Does Dead Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Dead 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.