Orwell Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. DNR lake ID 56094500.
Orwell Lake is a 607.6-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Orwell 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 | 56094500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Fergus Falls |
| Surface area | 607.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.5 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 50.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 11.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 4.5 ft, phosphorus 50.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 11.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Orwell Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Orwell Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | 6.33 | 1.0 to 3.2 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.44 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.56 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.2 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2016), Walleye 24.0 in (2016), Smallmouth bass 10.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2010).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, Silver redhorse, 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 2013).
Public boat access
- Orwell Reservoir: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 7 mi SW of Fergus Falls to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Dayton Hollow Reservoir 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rush Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horseshoe Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Iverson Lake 5.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Upper Lightning Lake 5.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pebble Lake 6.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Chautauqua Lake 6.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Swan Lake 7.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Orwell Lake
How deep is Orwell Lake?
Orwell Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Orwell Lake?
Orwell Lake covers about 607.6 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Orwell Lake?
Summer water clarity on Orwell Lake averages 4.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Orwell Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Orwell Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Orwell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Orwell Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Orwell Lake?
Orwell Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Orwell Reservoir.
How is the walleye population on Orwell Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2016, walleye numbers on Orwell Lake ran mostly above 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 Orwell Lake?
Homes on Orwell 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 Orwell Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Orwell Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Orwell Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Orwell Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Orwell 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 2016), 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.