Paul Lake
About Paul Lake
Paul Lake is a 346-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 81 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2020.
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 44 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Paul Lake
- 346 acres, up to 81 feet deep, near Perham
- 1 public boat launch (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 16.7 feet — very clear
- 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
- 346 acres
- Max depth
- 81 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 109 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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 18
- Years of record
- 44
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 9, 1979
- Most recent
- April 16, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Paul Lake
Compare Paul Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Paul Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little McDonald Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham1,316 acres
0.9 miles away
Moenkedick Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham103 acres
1.2 miles away
Grunard Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent121 acres
2.3 miles away
Devils Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham355 acres
2.9 miles away
Big McDonald Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham992 acres
3.4 miles away
McDonald Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent561 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paul Lake?
Paul Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 346 acres and reaches 81 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Paul Lake?
Paul Lake covers 346 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 81 feet.
What fish can you catch at Paul Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Paul Lake?
Yes. Paul Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Paul Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Paul 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 Paul Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Paul Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Paul Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 44 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 9, 1979.
Does Paul Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Paul 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.