---
type: lake
name: "Orwell Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Fergus Falls"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 608
max_depth_ft: 25
latitude: 46.21946
longitude: -96.15761
lake_score: 54
dnr_lake_id: "56094500"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/orwell-lake
---

# Orwell Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls

- **Surface Area**: 608 acres
- **Max Depth**: 25 ft
- **Shoreline**: 11.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 3.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 54/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 17
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Crappie**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Picnicking

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Picnic Area

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Rock Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Common Carp, Golden Redhorse, Greater Redhorse, Shorthead Redhorse, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Dayton Hollow Reservoir](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/dayton-hollow-reservoir) - 2.5 miles, 227 acres
- [Pebble Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/pebble-lake) - 6.2 miles, 195 acres
- [Swan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/swan-lake) - 7.2 miles, 749 acres
- [Wright Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/wright-lake) - 8 miles, 67 acres
- [Hoot Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/hoot-lake) - 8.5 miles, 161 acres
- [Rose Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/rose-lake-dalton) - 9.1 miles, 108 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.21946,-96.15761)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56094500)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/orwell-lake)*