Ochotto Lake
About Ochotto Lake
Ochotto Lake is a 40-acre lake near Avon in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2012.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around April 7, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ochotto Lake
- 40 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Avon
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 40 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 22 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
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2012
- 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 7
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 4, 2007
- Latest
- April 24, 2008
- Most recent
- April 22, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ochotto Lake
Compare Ochotto Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Lower Spunk Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon179 acres
0.6 miles away
Middle Spunk Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon236 acres
1.2 miles away
Linneman Lake
20 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon110 acres
1.4 miles away
Big Spunk Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon415 acres
2.2 miles away
Pelican Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Saint Anna291 acres
3 miles away
Kreigle Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon102 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ochotto Lake?
Ochotto Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Avon. It covers 40 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ochotto Lake?
Ochotto Lake covers 40 acres with about 1.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ochotto Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ochotto Lake?
Yes. Ochotto Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ochotto Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ochotto 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 Ochotto Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ochotto Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Ochotto Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 4, 2007 and the latest is April 24, 2008.