German Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. DNR lake ID 56042300.
German Lake is a 77.2-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Underwood. Its deepest point reaches 46 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on German 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 | 56042300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Underwood |
| Surface area | 77.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 46 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.0 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 12.0 ft, phosphorus 17.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, German Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on German Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2010 (16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 12.0 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.89 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.67 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.22 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.56 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2010), Largemouth bass 20.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, 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
- German Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 1 trailer spaces. 1.25 mi S of Underwood to SW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Dane Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Bass Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- South Turtle Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fiske Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Turtle Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Norway Lake 3.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crooked Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about German Lake
How deep is German Lake?
German Lake reaches a maximum depth of 46 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is German Lake?
German Lake covers about 77.2 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is German Lake?
Summer water clarity on German Lake averages 12.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does German Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
German 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 German Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in German Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2010.
Where is the public boat access on German Lake?
German Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: German Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on German Lake?
Homes on German 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 German Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on German Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on German Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for German Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about German 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 2010), 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.