South Lida Lake
About South Lida Lake
South Lida Lake is a 777-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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 black and white crappie, sunfish, and walleye, 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. Ohana Resort is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to South Lida Lake
- 777 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Ohana Resort
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 777 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 356 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Ohana Resort
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 11".
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
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
- 10
- Earliest
- April 11, 2015
- Latest
- May 4, 2022
- Most recent
- May 2, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Ohana Resort is mapped on or near South Lida Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Lida Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Beers Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids317 acres
2.7 miles away
Twenty-one Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard142 acres
2.7 miles away
North Lida Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids5,523 acres
3.2 miles away
Fladmark Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard59 acres
3.8 miles away
Eddy Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Edwards141 acres
4.6 miles away
West Silent Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids347 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Lida Lake?
South Lida Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 777 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Lida Lake?
South Lida Lake covers 777 acres with about 9.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Lida 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 South Lida Lake?
Yes. South Lida Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Lida Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Lida 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 South Lida Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Lida Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Lida Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 11". Daily limit 10. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on South Lida Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 11, 2015 and the latest is May 4, 2022.
Can you camp at South Lida Lake?
Yes. Ohana Resort is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does South Lida Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists South Lida 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.