Jolly Ann Lake
About Jolly Ann Lake
Jolly Ann Lake is a 326-acre lake near Dalton in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 89 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, 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 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 Jolly Ann Lake
- 326 acres, up to 89 feet deep, near Dalton
- 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 yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 13.4 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
- 326 acres
- Max depth
- 89 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 131 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 6
- 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 Jolly Ann Lake
Compare Jolly Ann Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Jolly Ann Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Jolly Ann Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Jolly Ann Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Jolly Ann Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Torgerson Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton148 acres
2.2 miles away
Middle Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake225 acres
2.3 miles away
Sewell Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton369 acres
2.9 miles away
Long Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton395 acres
3.3 miles away
Eagle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake907 acres
3.5 miles away
Johannes Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton134 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jolly Ann Lake?
Jolly Ann Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dalton. It covers 326 acres and reaches 89 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Jolly Ann Lake?
Jolly Ann Lake covers 326 acres with about 6.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 89 feet.
What fish can you catch at Jolly Ann Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Jolly Ann Lake?
Yes. Jolly Ann Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Jolly Ann Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Jolly Ann 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 Jolly Ann Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Jolly Ann Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Jolly Ann Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Jolly Ann 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.