Otter Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56057700.
Otter Lake is a 77.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 64 ft, and about 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Otter 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 | 56057700 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 77.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 64 ft |
| Mean depth | 14.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 64% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.1 ft through 2020 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 2020: clarity 17.1 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Otter Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Otter Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2007 (19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 3.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.33 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.22 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 68.33 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.78 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 35.0 in (2007), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2007).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, White sucker.
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 Spirit Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hook Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crystal Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Spirit Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Franklin Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Loon Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Leek (Trowbridge) Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lida Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Otter Lake
How deep is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake reaches a maximum depth of 64 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Otter Lake?
Otter Lake covers about 77.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Otter Lake?
Summer water clarity on Otter Lake averages 17.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Otter Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Otter 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 Otter Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, white sucker in Otter Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2007.
Are there lake homes for sale on Otter Lake?
Homes on Otter 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 Otter Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Otter Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 64% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Otter Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Otter Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Otter 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 2007), 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.