Star Lake
About Star Lake
Star Lake is a 4,486-acre lake near Dent in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 94 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 33.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (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 17, based on 26 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Star Lake
- 4,486 acres, up to 94 feet deep, near Dent
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.1 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,486 acres
- Max depth
- 94 ft
- Shoreline
- 33.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,813 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 26
- Earliest
- March 26, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 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 Star Lake
Compare Star Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Star Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Star Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Star Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Star Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
East Silent Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent324 acres
2.5 miles away
Round Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent173 acres
3 miles away
West Silent Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids347 acres
3.3 miles away
Fladmark Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard59 acres
4.5 miles away
West McDonald Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas597 acres
4.7 miles away
McDonald Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent561 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Star Lake?
Star Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. It covers 4,486 acres and reaches 94 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Star Lake?
Star Lake covers 4,486 acres with about 33.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 94 feet.
What fish can you catch at Star 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 Star Lake?
Yes. Star Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Star Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Star 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 Star Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Star Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Star Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Star Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 26 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 26, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Star Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Star 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.