Otter Tail Lake
About Otter Tail Lake
Otter Tail Lake is a 14,079-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 23.7 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Otter Tail County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 16, based on 51 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Otter Tail Lake
- 14,079 acres, up to 120 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- Camping close to the water
- 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 14,079 acres
- Max depth
- 120 ft
- Shoreline
- 23.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 6,468 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)
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 16
- Years of record
- 51
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Otter Tail Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Otter Tail Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Walker Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail578 acres
2.6 miles away
Ethel Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail191 acres
3.5 miles away
Blanche Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail1,296 acres
3.7 miles away
Pickerel Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail71 acres
4.1 miles away
Round Lake
12 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor158 acres
4.9 miles away
Annie Battle Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake354 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 14,079 acres and reaches 120 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake covers 14,079 acres with about 23.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 120 feet.
What fish can you catch at Otter Tail Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Sturgeon and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Otter Tail Lake?
Yes. Otter Tail Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Otter Tail Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Otter Tail Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Otter Tail Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 51 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at Otter Tail Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Otter Tail Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Otter Tail 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.