Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is a 71-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2002.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 71 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 71 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 39 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 (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2002
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pickerel Lake
Compare Pickerel Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Donalds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail166 acres
2.5 miles away
Ethel Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail191 acres
3 miles away
Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail269 acres
3.1 miles away
Otter Tail Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail14,079 acres
4.1 miles away
Buchanan Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail964 acres
4.4 miles away
West Leaf Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail700 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 71 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 71 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. 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 (gravel or earth), managed by the county. 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Pickerel Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.