Molly Stark Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. DNR lake ID 56030300.
Molly Stark Lake is a 152.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. Its deepest point reaches 48 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.9 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, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56030300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake |
| Surface area | 152.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 48 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.9 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.8 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 14.9 ft, phosphorus 8.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Molly Stark Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Molly Stark Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 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 | 1.17 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.17 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.0 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.78 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.83 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 46.78 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.17 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.83 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.0 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 4.56 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.78 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2015), Northern pike 35.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2015).
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, 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 2018).
Public boat access
- Molly Stark Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 2 mi NE of the city of Battle Lake on Cnty Rd 16 to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Annie Battle Lake 1.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Battle Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Emma Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Blanche Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Silver Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ethel Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hanson Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Molly Stark Lake
How deep is Molly Stark Lake?
Molly Stark Lake reaches a maximum depth of 48 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Molly Stark Lake?
Molly Stark Lake covers about 152.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Molly Stark Lake?
Summer water clarity on Molly Stark Lake averages 14.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Molly Stark Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Molly Stark Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Molly Stark Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Molly Stark Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Molly Stark Lake?
Molly Stark Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Molly Stark Lake.
How is the walleye population on Molly Stark Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2015, walleye numbers on Molly Stark Lake ran mostly below 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 Molly Stark Lake?
Homes on Molly Stark 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 Molly Stark Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Molly Stark Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Molly Stark Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Molly Stark Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Molly Stark 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 2015), 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.