Tamarac Lake
About Tamarac Lake
Tamarac Lake is a 445-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2017.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Tamarac Lake
- 445 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.8 feet
- 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
- 445 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 445 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Tamarac Lake
Compare Tamarac Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Tamarac Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Tamarac Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Tamarac Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Tamarac Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Sand Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids152 acres
2.1 miles away
Fish Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids293 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Lizzie (North Portion)
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,913 acres
3.6 miles away
Pelican Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids3,962 acres
3.7 miles away
Prairie Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,004 acres
4.5 miles away
Lake Ida
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park632 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tamarac Lake?
Tamarac Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 445 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Tamarac Lake?
Tamarac Lake covers 445 acres with about 6.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Tamarac Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Tamarac Lake?
Yes. Tamarac Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Tamarac Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Tamarac 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 Tamarac Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Tamarac Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Tamarac Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Tamarac 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.