Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 419-acre lake near Dalton in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 419 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Dalton
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9.4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 419 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 165 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Johnson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Johannes Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton134 acres
1.6 miles away
Sewell Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton369 acres
2.7 miles away
Long Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton395 acres
2.8 miles away
Stalker Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood1,357 acres
2.9 miles away
Clear Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton399 acres
3.3 miles away
Long Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood204 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dalton. It covers 419 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 419 acres with about 5.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Johnson Lake?
Yes. Johnson Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Johnson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Johnson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.