Buchanan Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56020900.
Buchanan Lake is a 963.6-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56020900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 963.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 87% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.6 ft, phosphorus 20.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Buchanan Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Buchanan Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2014 (12 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 | 2.67 | 0.8 to 3.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.22 | 2.0 to 10.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.33 | 2.0 to 22.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.89 | 1.7 to 17.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 5.11 | 2.1 to 24.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 15.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 100.11 | 3.5 to 57.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.67 | 0.3 to 0.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.67 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 3.78 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2014), Walleye 26.0 in (2014), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2022).
Public boat access
- Buchanan Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 11 trailer spaces. 3.5 mi N of downtown Ottertail to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Donalds Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Bay 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rush Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Buchanan Lake
How deep is Buchanan Lake?
Buchanan Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Buchanan Lake?
Buchanan Lake covers about 963.6 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Buchanan Lake?
Summer water clarity on Buchanan Lake averages 7.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Buchanan Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Buchanan Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Buchanan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Buchanan Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2014.
Where is the public boat access on Buchanan Lake?
Buchanan Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Buchanan Lake.
How is the walleye population on Buchanan Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2014, walleye numbers on Buchanan Lake ran mostly within 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 Buchanan Lake?
Homes on Buchanan 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 Buchanan Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Buchanan Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 87% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Buchanan Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Buchanan Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Buchanan Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2014), 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.