Fish Lake
About Fish Lake
Fish Lake is a 1,078-acre lake near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. 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 Fish Lake
- 1,078 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6.9 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
- 1,078 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 888 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fish Lake
Compare Fish Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Fish Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Fish Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Fish Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Fish Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pleasant Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood385 acres
2.1 miles away
West Lost Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood795 acres
3.1 miles away
Otter Tail River Reservoir
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls313 acres
3.5 miles away
Anna Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood598 acres
3.6 miles away
Norway Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood485 acres
3.6 miles away
Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood311 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 1,078 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake covers 1,078 acres with about 9.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish 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 Fish Lake?
Yes. Fish Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fish Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fish 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 Fish Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Fish Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Fish Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Fish 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.