Hoot Lake
About Hoot Lake
Hoot Lake is a 161-acre lake near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Hoot Lake
- 161 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 9.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 161 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 Hoot Lake
Compare Hoot Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Hoot Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Hoot Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Hoot Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Hoot Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Hoot Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Wright Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls67 acres
0.7 miles away
Pebble Lake
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls195 acres
3.7 miles away
Wall Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls727 acres
4.1 miles away
Fish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls1,078 acres
5.9 miles away
Dayton Hollow Reservoir
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls227 acres
5.9 miles away
Otter Tail River Reservoir
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls313 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hoot Lake?
Hoot Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 161 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hoot Lake?
Hoot Lake covers 161 acres with about 2.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hoot Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Sturgeon and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hoot Lake?
Yes. Hoot Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hoot Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Hoot Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hoot Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Hoot Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Hoot 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.