East Leaf Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota. DNR lake ID 56011600.
East Leaf Lake is an 870-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Its deepest point reaches 47 ft+ (deepest measured basin). Summer water clarity averages 8.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel, zebra mussel.
Buying or selling on East Leaf Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on East Leaf LakeWhat’s my East Leaf Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56011600 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County |
| Surface area | 870 acres |
| Maximum depth | 47 ft+ (deepest measured basin) |
| Share under 15 ft | Not surveyed |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 26.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 8.3 ft, phosphorus 26.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, East Leaf Lake rates as eutrophic.
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 2023), zebra mussel (listed 2024).
Public boat access
- Middle Leaf Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 5.5 mi N of Henning on Mn Hwy 108 to western section of East Leaf Lake. Directions
- East Leaf Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 3 mi W of Deer Creek on Cnty Rd 50, then 0.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 67 to NE shore of lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- East Leaf Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Leaf Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 5.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 5.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about East Leaf Lake
How deep is East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake reaches a maximum depth of 47 ft+ (deepest measured basin) according to Minnesota DNR records.
How big is East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake covers about 870 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is East Leaf Lake?
Summer water clarity on East Leaf Lake averages 8.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does East Leaf Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes East Leaf Lake for zebra mussel, zebra mussel.
Where is the public boat access on East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Middle Leaf Lake; East Leaf Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on East Leaf Lake?
Homes on East Leaf 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 East Leaf Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on East Leaf Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, and summer clarity around 8.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on East Leaf Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for East Leaf Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about East Leaf 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 not on record), 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.