Middle Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. DNR lake ID 56025200.
Middle Lake is a 243.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. Its deepest point reaches 56 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.1 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, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Middle 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 | 56025200 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake |
| Surface area | 243.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 56 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.1 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 16.1 ft, phosphorus 10.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Middle Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Middle 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 | 0.33 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.83 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 5.22 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 38.0 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.0 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 8.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 36.0 in (2008), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2018), Walleye 22.0 in (2008).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Largemouth bass 12 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed). Sunfish daily limit 5. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2020).
Public boat access
- Middle Lake: 1 concrete plank launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. From the intersection of state highway 78 go 1 mile west on otter tail county highway 126 to Grue church road. Turn north on Grue church road for .5 mi to access on the right. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Torgerson Lake 0.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eagle Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Jolly Ann Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hancock Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crane Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Belmont Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 4.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Spitzer Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Middle Lake
How deep is Middle Lake?
Middle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 56 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Middle Lake?
Middle Lake covers about 243.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Middle Lake?
Summer water clarity on Middle Lake averages 16.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Middle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Middle Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Middle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Middle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2008.
Where is the public boat access on Middle Lake?
Middle Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Middle Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Middle Lake?
Homes on Middle 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 Middle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Middle Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Middle Lake?
Yes. Largemouth bass 12 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed). Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Middle 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.