East Leaf Lake
About East Leaf Lake
East Leaf Lake is a 423-acre lake near Henning in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 2022.
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 East Leaf Lake
- 423 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Henning
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 6.7 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
- 423 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 113 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
- Walleye 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 East Leaf Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Middle Leaf Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail404 acres
1.4 miles away
West Leaf Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail700 acres
3.4 miles away
Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail269 acres
5.3 miles away
Donalds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail166 acres
6.3 miles away
Buchanan Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail964 acres
7.3 miles away
Pickerel Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail71 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Henning. It covers 423 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake covers 423 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Leaf Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Leaf Lake?
Yes. East Leaf Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Leaf Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Leaf 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 East Leaf Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Leaf Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does East Leaf Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Leaf 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.