Fish Lake
About Fish Lake
Fish Lake is a 293-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 69 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2008.
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. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fish Lake
- 293 acres, up to 69 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 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 13.5 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
- 293 acres
- Max depth
- 69 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 127 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2008
- 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 15
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 11, 2015
- Latest
- May 2, 2008
- Most recent
- April 11, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fish Lake
Compare Fish Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Fish Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pelican Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids3,962 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Lizzie (North Portion)
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,913 acres
2.4 miles away
Franklin Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,088 acres
2.9 miles away
Tamarac Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids445 acres
3.5 miles away
Sand Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids152 acres
3.5 miles away
Little Pelican Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas366 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 293 acres and reaches 69 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake covers 293 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 69 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Fish Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Fish Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 11, 2015 and the latest is May 2, 2008.
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.