Hoffman Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56162700.
Hoffman Lake is a 157.2-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 20 ft, and about 95% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.1 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 walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56162700 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 157.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 20 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 95% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 25.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.1 ft, phosphorus 25.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hoffman Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Hoffman Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2012 (14 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 | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 19.0 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 14.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 14.0 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.5 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.22 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 4.0 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.89 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2012), Walleye 20.0 in (2012), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, 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
- West McDonald Lake 0.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brown Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Big McDonald Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sunfish Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sybil Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine (Reames) Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Hoffman Lake
How deep is Hoffman Lake?
Hoffman Lake reaches a maximum depth of 20 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 95% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hoffman Lake?
Hoffman Lake covers about 157.2 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hoffman Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hoffman Lake averages 9.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Hoffman Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Hoffman 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 Hoffman Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Hoffman Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2012.
How is the walleye population on Hoffman Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2005, walleye numbers on Hoffman 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 Hoffman Lake?
Homes on Hoffman 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 Hoffman Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hoffman Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 95% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hoffman Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hoffman Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hoffman 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 2012), 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.