Marion Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Richville. DNR lake ID 56024300.
Marion Lake is a 1,624-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Richville. Its deepest point reaches 62 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.8 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 | 56024300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Richville |
| Surface area | 1,624 acres |
| Maximum depth | 62 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.8 ft, phosphorus 20.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Marion Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Marion Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 6.42 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.83 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 18.67 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.42 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.0 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.58 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 19.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 64.5 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.25 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 3.0 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.75 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 13.08 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.17 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.92 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 4.92 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 17.83 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2021), Northern pike 32.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, 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 2024).
Public boat access
- Marion Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 18 trailer spaces. 0.5 mi N of Richville to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rice Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lone Pine Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tamarack Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wolf Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Boedigheimer Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Head Lake 3.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Rice Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Alice Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Marion Lake
How deep is Marion Lake?
Marion Lake reaches a maximum depth of 62 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Marion Lake?
Marion Lake covers about 1,624 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Marion Lake?
Summer water clarity on Marion Lake averages 10.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Marion Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Marion Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Marion Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Marion Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Marion Lake?
Marion Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Marion Lake.
How is the walleye population on Marion Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2021, walleye numbers on Marion 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 Marion Lake?
Homes on Marion 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 Marion Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Marion Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Marion Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Marion Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Marion 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 2021), 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.