Ellingson Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vining. DNR lake ID 56017800.
Ellingson Lake is a 151.2-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vining. Its deepest point reaches 19 ft, and about 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.3 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, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56017800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vining |
| Surface area | 151.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 19 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 65% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.3 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 33.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 7.3 ft, phosphorus 33.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Ellingson Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Ellingson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2006 (20 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 | 0.5 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.33 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.38 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 32.5 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.88 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.33 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.75 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 30.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 52.5 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 6.83 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.38 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 29.0 in (2006), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2006), Northern pike 29.0 in (2006).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, 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
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
- Ellingson Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 1.2 mi W of Vining on MN Hwy 210, then 1 mi S to NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Siverson Lake 0.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Stuart Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Battle Lake 3.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Clitherall Lake 4.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Belmont Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crane Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Battle Lake 5.0 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Ellingson Lake
How deep is Ellingson Lake?
Ellingson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 19 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ellingson Lake?
Ellingson Lake covers about 151.2 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ellingson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ellingson Lake averages 7.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Ellingson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Ellingson 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 Ellingson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, common carp in Ellingson Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2006.
Where is the public boat access on Ellingson Lake?
Ellingson Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Ellingson Lake.
How is the walleye population on Ellingson Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2006, walleye numbers on Ellingson 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 Ellingson Lake?
Homes on Ellingson 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 Ellingson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ellingson Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 65% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ellingson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ellingson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ellingson 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 2006), 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.