East Spirit Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56050100.
East Spirit Lake is a 560.9-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 38 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.5 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 | 56050100 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 560.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 38 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.5 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 13.5 ft, phosphorus 16.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, East Spirit Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on East Spirit Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2013 (13 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 | 1.11 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.33 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.33 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.33 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 151.67 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.56 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 6.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2013), Northern pike 34.0 in (2013), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2013).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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 2016).
Public boat access
- East Spirit Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 3 mi SW of Vergas on Cnty Rd 4 to NW shore of East Spirit Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- West Spirit Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Loon Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sunfish Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Otter Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hoffman Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hook Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lawrence Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about East Spirit Lake
How deep is East Spirit Lake?
East Spirit Lake reaches a maximum depth of 38 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is East Spirit Lake?
East Spirit Lake covers about 560.9 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is East Spirit Lake?
Summer water clarity on East Spirit Lake averages 13.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does East Spirit Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes East Spirit Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in East Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in East Spirit Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2013.
Where is the public boat access on East Spirit Lake?
East Spirit Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: East Spirit Lake.
How is the walleye population on East Spirit Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2013, walleye numbers on East Spirit 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 Spirit Lake?
Homes on East Spirit 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 Spirit Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on East Spirit Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.5 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 Spirit Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for East Spirit Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about East Spirit 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 2013), 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.