First Silver Lake
About First Silver Lake
First Silver Lake is a 529-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
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 2022.
There are 2 public boat launches (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. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to First Silver Lake
- 529 acres, up to 43 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 2 public boat launches (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 10.6 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 529 acres
- Max depth
- 43 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 230 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- April 2, 2000
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 19, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to First Silver Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Elbow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake188 acres
1.3 miles away
Molly Stark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake152 acres
2.8 miles away
South Turtle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood837 acres
3.6 miles away
Annie Battle Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake354 acres
3.6 miles away
West Battle Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake5,615 acres
3.7 miles away
Round Lake
12 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor158 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is First Silver Lake?
First Silver Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 529 acres and reaches 43 feet deep.
How big and how deep is First Silver Lake?
First Silver Lake covers 529 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 43 feet.
What fish can you catch at First Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 First Silver Lake?
Yes. First Silver Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at First Silver Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at First Silver 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 First Silver Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for First Silver Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on First Silver Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2000 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does First Silver Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists First Silver 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.