Sauer Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. DNR lake ID 03035500.
Sauer Lake is a 192.7-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03035500 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Detroit Lakes |
| Surface area | 192.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.7 ft through 2016 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 89.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 10.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2016: clarity 12.7 ft, phosphorus 89.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 10.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sauer Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Sauer Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 3.17 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.5 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 22.0 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.78 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.56 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 10.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 87.44 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.89 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.44 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2015), Walleye 27.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Sauers Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 6 miles south of Detroit Lakes, off US Highway #59, on the northwest shore of Sauers Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Mill Lake 1.1 mi, Becker County
- Hand Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buck Lake 1.8 mi, Becker County
- Melissa Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Holbrook Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Meadow Lake 2.5 mi, Becker County
- Leek (Trowbridge) Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Little Pelican Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Sauer Lake
How deep is Sauer Lake?
Sauer Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sauer Lake?
Sauer Lake covers about 192.7 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sauer Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sauer Lake averages 12.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2016. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Sauer Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sauer Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Sauer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, bowfin in Sauer Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Sauer Lake?
Sauer Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sauers Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sauer Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2015, walleye numbers on Sauer Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Sauer Lake?
Homes on Sauer Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Sauer Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sauer Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sauer Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sauer Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sauer Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.