German Lake
About German Lake
German Lake is a 77-acre lake near Underwood in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to German Lake
- 77 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Underwood
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 77 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 25 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 (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- 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 German Lake
Compare German Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood204 acres
2.1 miles away
Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood311 acres
2.5 miles away
South Turtle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood837 acres
2.8 miles away
Fiske Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake254 acres
2.9 miles away
North Turtle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood1,773 acres
3.1 miles away
Norway Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood485 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is German Lake?
German Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. It covers 77 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is German Lake?
German Lake covers 77 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet.
What fish can you catch at German Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on German Lake?
Yes. German Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at German Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at German 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 German Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for German Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.