---
type: lake
name: "Prairie Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Pelican Rapids"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1004
max_depth_ft: 22
latitude: 46.60075
longitude: -96.07077
lake_score: 59
dnr_lake_id: "56091500"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/prairie-lake
---

# Prairie Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids

- **Surface Area**: 1,004 acres
- **Max Depth**: 22 ft
- **Average Depth**: 10 ft
- **Shoreline**: 7.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 59/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Prairie Lake is a 1,004-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 15
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit 10.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

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

## Nearby Lakes

- [Sand Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/sand-lake) - 2.7 miles, 152 acres
- [Lake Lizzie (North Portion)](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/lake-lizzie-north-portion) - 4 miles, 1,913 acres
- [Tamarac Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/tamarac-lake) - 4.5 miles, 445 acres
- [North Lida Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/north-lida-lake) - 5.1 miles, 5,523 acres
- [Franklin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/franklin-lake) - 5.4 miles, 1,088 acres
- [West Olaf Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/west-olaf-lake) - 5.5 miles, 209 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.60075,-96.07077)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56091500)
- [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/prairie-lake)*