Fish Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56076800.
Fish Lake is a 292.8-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 69 ft, and about 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Fish 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56076800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 292.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 69 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 43% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 17.9 ft, phosphorus 13.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Fish Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Fish Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2008 (18 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 | 4.67 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.78 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.11 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.11 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.56 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 55.89 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.1 to 0.4 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.67 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.56 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.33 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.78 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.67 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 33.0 in (2008), Walleye 22.0 in (2008), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2008), Smallmouth bass 8.0 in (2008).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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 2009).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 0.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie (north portion) Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Franklin Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tamarac Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sand Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Little Pelican Lake 3.6 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Fish Lake
How deep is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake reaches a maximum depth of 69 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake covers about 292.8 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Fish Lake?
Summer water clarity on Fish Lake averages 17.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Fish Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Fish Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Fish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Fish Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2008.
How is the walleye population on Fish Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2002 to 2008, walleye numbers on Fish 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 Fish Lake?
Homes on Fish 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 Fish Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Fish Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 43% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Fish Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Fish Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Fish 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 2008), 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.