Orwell Lake
About Orwell Lake
Orwell Lake is a 608-acre lake near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and 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 Orwell Lake
- 608 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 608 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 608 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie: 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 Orwell Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dayton Hollow Reservoir
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls227 acres
2.5 miles away
Pebble Lake
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6.2 miles away
Swan Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls749 acres
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Wright Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls67 acres
8 miles away
Hoot Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls161 acres
8.5 miles away
Rose Lake
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9.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Orwell Lake?
Orwell Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 608 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Orwell Lake?
Orwell Lake covers 608 acres with about 11.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Orwell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Orwell Lake?
Yes. Orwell Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Orwell Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Orwell 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 Orwell Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Orwell Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Orwell Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Orwell Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Orwell 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.