Little Pine Lake
About Little Pine Lake
Little Pine Lake is a 2,080-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, crappie, and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and 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. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Pine Lake
- 2,080 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Perham
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,080 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 698 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
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
- 20
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 30, 2016
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- May 3, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Pine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Big Pine Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham4,728 acres
3.7 miles away
Devils Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham355 acres
4.8 miles away
Dead Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Evergreen270 acres
5.9 miles away
Moenkedick Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham103 acres
6.1 miles away
Silver Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee239 acres
6.6 miles away
Murphy Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee317 acres
7.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Pine Lake?
Little Pine Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 2,080 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Pine Lake?
Little Pine Lake covers 2,080 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Pine 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 Little Pine Lake?
Yes. Little Pine Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Pine 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 Little Pine Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Pine Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Pine Lake?
Yes. All from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. Daily limit five. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Little Pine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2016 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Little Pine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little Pine 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.