East Spirit Lake
About East Spirit Lake
East Spirit Lake is a 561-acre lake near Vergas in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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 2013.
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 Spirit Lake
- 561 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Vergas
- 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 13 feet — very clear
- 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
- 561 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 245 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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 Spirit Lake
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Nearby Lakes
East Loon Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas1,044 acres
2.1 miles away
Hoffman Lake
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Sybil Lake
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West McDonald Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas597 acres
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East Silent Lake
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Lake Crystal
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4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Spirit Lake?
East Spirit Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. It covers 561 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Spirit Lake?
East Spirit Lake covers 561 acres with about 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Spirit 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 East Spirit Lake?
Yes. East Spirit 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 Spirit Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Spirit 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 Spirit Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Spirit Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does East Spirit Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Spirit 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.