Dead Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. DNR lake ID 56038300.
Dead Lake is a 7,546-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. Its deepest point reaches 65 ft, and about 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56038300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Dent |
| Surface area | 7,546 acres |
| Maximum depth | 65 ft |
| Mean depth | 9.5 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 87% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 22.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.2 ft, phosphorus 22.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Dead Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Dead Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 8.17 | 3.2 to 15.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.5 | 1.2 to 7.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.83 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.58 | 3.0 to 22.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.58 | 0.8 to 11.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.0 | 1.0 to 12.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.92 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 29.58 | 1.0 to 14.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.75 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.58 | 0.1 to 0.8 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.83 | 0.2 to 5.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.08 | 0.4 to 4.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.92 | 0.1 to 0.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.58 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 20.0 in (2021), Walleye 26.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, 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 2019).
Public boat access
- Dead Lake (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock. 3.5 mi SW of Dent on Co Rd 35 on N shore. Launching and Loading only, No Parking. Directions
- Dead Lake (SW): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 17 trailer spaces. Approximately 14 mi N of Underwood to S shore of W section of lake. Directions
- Dead Lake (SE): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 4 mi SW of Richville on Cnty Rd 14, then 1 mi W to S shore of E section of lake. Directions
- Dead Lake WMA: 1 natural launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. From Richville take Co Hwy 14 west 1.75 miles to Co Hwy 44. Go west 2.75 miles to 370th St. Go west 1 mile to Murray. Head south, then west .6 miles to site. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Indian Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tamarack Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lone Pine Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Alice Lake 4.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pickerel Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Walker Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Star Lake 4.7 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Dead Lake
How deep is Dead Lake?
Dead Lake reaches a maximum depth of 65 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Dead Lake?
Dead Lake covers about 7,546 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Dead Lake?
Summer water clarity on Dead Lake averages 9.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Dead Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Dead Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Dead Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Dead Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Dead Lake?
Dead Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: Dead Lake (N); Dead Lake (SW); Dead Lake (SE); Dead Lake WMA.
How is the walleye population on Dead Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2021, walleye numbers on Dead 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 Dead Lake?
Homes on Dead 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 Dead Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Dead Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 87% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dead Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Dead Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Dead 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 2021), 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.