North Lida Lake
About North Lida Lake
North Lida Lake is a 5,523-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 58 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 19.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie, sunfish, and walleye, 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. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to North Lida Lake
- 5,523 acres, up to 58 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.9 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
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 5,523 acres
- Max depth
- 58 ft
- Shoreline
- 19.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,380 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
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- 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
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 11".
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- April 14, 2005
- Latest
- May 5, 2023
- Most recent
- April 17, 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 North Lida Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Crystal
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,413 acres
2.6 miles away
South Lida Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids777 acres
3.2 miles away
West Silent Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids347 acres
4.4 miles away
Franklin Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,088 acres
4.4 miles away
Beers Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids317 acres
4.4 miles away
Lake Lizzie (North Portion)
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,913 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Lida Lake?
North Lida Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 5,523 acres and reaches 58 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Lida Lake?
North Lida Lake covers 5,523 acres with about 19.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 58 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Lida Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on North Lida Lake?
Yes. North Lida Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Lida Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North Lida 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 North Lida Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Lida Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Lida Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 11". Daily limit 10. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on North Lida Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2005 and the latest is May 5, 2023.
Does North Lida Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists North Lida 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.