Middle Lake
About Middle Lake
Middle Lake is a 225-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 25 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth bass and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
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 Middle Lake
- 225 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 25 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
- 225 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 25 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 100 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
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth Bass: All from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Middle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Torgerson Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton148 acres
0.4 miles away
Eagle Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake907 acres
1.3 miles away
Jolly Ann Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton326 acres
2.3 miles away
Hancock Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Urbank199 acres
3.1 miles away
Crane Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Clitherall350 acres
4.1 miles away
Belmont Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Clitherall285 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Middle Lake?
Middle Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 225 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Middle Lake?
Middle Lake covers 225 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Middle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Middle Lake?
Yes. Middle Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Middle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Middle 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 Middle Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Middle Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Middle Lake?
Yes. All from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Daily limit five.
Does Middle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Middle 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.