East Leaf Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Henning. DNR lake ID 56011602.
East Leaf Lake is a 423.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Henning. Its deepest point reaches 47 ft, and about 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.5 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56011602 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Henning |
| Surface area | 423.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 47 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 27% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 34.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 20.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.5 ft, phosphorus 34.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 20.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, East Leaf Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on East Leaf Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 6.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.38 | 1.5 to 7.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 12.62 | 2.0 to 27.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.62 | 2.5 to 16.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 8.25 | 1.8 to 21.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.62 | 7.5 to 62.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.38 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.62 | 0.7 to 4.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.38 | 0.1 to 0.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2022), Northern pike 28.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2022).
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, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, 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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- East Leaf Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Leaf Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 5.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 5.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 6.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 6.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 6.3 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 according to Minnesota DNR records. About 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is East Leaf Lake?
East Leaf Lake covers about 423.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is East Leaf Lake?
Summer water clarity on East Leaf Lake averages 7.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does East Leaf Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
East Leaf 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 East Leaf Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in East Leaf Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
How is the walleye population on East Leaf Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2022, walleye numbers on East Leaf 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 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, about 27% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.5 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 2022), 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.