Dayton Hollow Reservoir
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. DNR lake ID 56082400.
Dayton Hollow Reservoir is a 227.3-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56082400 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Fergus Falls |
| Surface area | 227.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 61% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.2 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 51.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 6.2 ft, phosphorus 51.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Dayton Hollow Reservoir rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Dayton Hollow Reservoir
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | 3.5 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.67 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.33 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.89 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.67 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 5.22 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.11 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 1.17 | 0.2 to 0.5 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.11 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.56 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2016), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2016), Walleye 18.0 in (2016), Northern pike 26.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, Silver redhorse, Brown 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 2013).
Public boat access
- Dayton Hollow Reservoir: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. Head south out of Fergus Falls on CR 1 for 2 miles to Dayton Lake Dr. Follow Dayton Lake Dr west for 0.8 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rush Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Orwell Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Iverson Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pebble Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Chautauqua Lake 5.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wright Lake 5.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Swan Lake 5.8 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Dayton Hollow Reservoir
How deep is Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Dayton Hollow Reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Dayton Hollow Reservoir covers about 227.3 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Summer water clarity on Dayton Hollow Reservoir averages 6.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Dayton Hollow Reservoir have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Dayton Hollow Reservoir for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Dayton Hollow Reservoir. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Dayton Hollow Reservoir has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Dayton Hollow Reservoir.
How is the walleye population on Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2010 to 2016, walleye numbers on Dayton Hollow Reservoir 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 Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Homes on Dayton Hollow Reservoir 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 Dayton Hollow Reservoir and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 61% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 6.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dayton Hollow Reservoir?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Dayton Hollow Reservoir in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Dayton Hollow Reservoir
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 2016), 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.