Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is an 849-acre lake near Maine in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 28 feet, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2025.
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 24, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 849 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Maine
- 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 12.8 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
- 849 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 274 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 24
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 22, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- May 4, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pickerel Lake
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See how Pickerel Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Maine Lake (Round)
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Maine88 acres
1.8 miles away
Twin Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Amor369 acres
2.1 miles away
Dead Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent7,546 acres
4.5 miles away
West Lost Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Underwood795 acres
4.7 miles away
East Lost Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake483 acres
4.8 miles away
Deer Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake447 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Maine. It covers 849 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 849 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake?
Yes. Pickerel Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pickerel Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pickerel Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pickerel Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Pickerel Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pickerel 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.