Scalp Lake
About Scalp Lake
Scalp Lake is a 254-acre lake near Frazee in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 90 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 20, based on 18 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Scalp Lake
- 254 acres, up to 90 feet deep, near Frazee
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 19.7 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
- 254 acres
- Max depth
- 90 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 19.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 67 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 20
- Years of record
- 18
- Earliest
- March 24, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- April 20, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Scalp Lake
Compare Scalp Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Six Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee197 acres
1.1 miles away
Five Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee245 acres
1.2 miles away
Rose Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas1,200 acres
1.9 miles away
Wimer Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee293 acres
2.7 miles away
Eagle Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Frazee320 acres
2.8 miles away
Graham Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee217 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Scalp Lake?
Scalp Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Frazee. It covers 254 acres and reaches 90 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Scalp Lake?
Scalp Lake covers 254 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 90 feet.
What fish can you catch at Scalp Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Scalp Lake?
Yes. Scalp Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Scalp Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Scalp 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 Scalp Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Scalp Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Scalp Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 18 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2022.
Does Scalp Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Scalp 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.