Swan Lake
About Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a 749-acre lake near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 44 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 9.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Swan Lake Resort & Campground 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 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Swan Lake
- 749 acres, up to 44 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
- 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 9.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Swan Lake Resort & Campground
- 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
- 749 acres
- Max depth
- 44 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 371 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)
- Camping: Swan Lake Resort & Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 18
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 11, 2024
- Latest
- May 9, 2013
- Most recent
- March 11, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Swan Lake Resort & Campground is mapped on or near Swan 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 Swan Lake
Compare Swan Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Rose Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton108 acres
2.4 miles away
Indian Lake
23 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton157 acres
2.5 miles away
Pebble Lake
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls195 acres
2.8 miles away
Wall Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls727 acres
4.1 miles away
North Ten Mile Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton654 acres
4.9 miles away
Wright Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls67 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Swan Lake?
Swan Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 749 acres and reaches 44 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Swan Lake?
Swan Lake covers 749 acres with about 9.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 44 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Swan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Swan Lake?
Yes. Swan Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Swan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Swan 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 Swan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Swan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Swan Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 11, 2024 and the latest is May 9, 2013.
Can you camp at Swan Lake?
Yes. Swan Lake Resort & Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Swan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Swan 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.