Ethel Lake
About Ethel Lake
Ethel Lake is a 191-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 64 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, 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.
Plan Your Visit to Ethel Lake
- 191 acres, up to 64 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 17.9 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
- 191 acres
- Max depth
- 64 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 69 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
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ethel Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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Annie Battle Lake
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Pickerel Lake
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Otter Tail Lake
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Molly Stark Lake
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West Battle Lake
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4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ethel Lake?
Ethel Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 191 acres and reaches 64 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ethel Lake?
Ethel Lake covers 191 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 64 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ethel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ethel Lake?
Yes. Ethel Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ethel Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ethel 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 Ethel Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ethel Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Ethel Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ethel 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.