Molly Stark Lake
About Molly Stark Lake
Molly Stark Lake is a 152-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 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 pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
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. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Molly Stark Lake
- 152 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 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 pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 152 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2022
- Most recent
- April 13, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Molly Stark Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Annie Battle Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake354 acres
1 miles away
West Battle Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake5,615 acres
1.7 miles away
Blanche Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail1,296 acres
2.3 miles away
First Silver Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake529 acres
2.8 miles away
Ethel Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail191 acres
3.7 miles away
Elbow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake188 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Molly Stark Lake?
Molly Stark Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 152 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Molly Stark Lake?
Molly Stark Lake covers 152 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Molly Stark Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Molly Stark Lake?
Yes. Molly Stark Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Molly Stark Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Molly Stark 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 Molly Stark Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Molly Stark Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Molly Stark Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2022.
Does Molly Stark Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Molly Stark 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.