Otter Tail Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56024200.
Otter Tail Lake is a 14,079-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 120 ft, and about 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.6 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Otter Tail 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 | 56024200 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 14,079 acres |
| Maximum depth | 120 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 46% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 18.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.6 ft, phosphorus 18.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Otter Tail Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Otter Tail 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 | 10.05 | 3.3 to 14.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.0 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 17.45 | 9.9 to 57.1 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.35 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.05 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.1 | 0.0 to 0.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.75 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.45 | 4.9 to 17.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.05 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.8 | 0.1 to 1.1 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 28.0 in (2021), Northern pike 34.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 13.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake sturgeon, Shorthead 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 2016).
Public boat access
- Otter Tail Lake, Riviera (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 36 trailer spaces. 3 mi NW of downtown Ottertail on Cnty Rd 1, to N shore. Directions
- Otter Tail Lake, Riverside: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 12 trailer spaces. 4 mi N of the city of Battle Lake on Mn Hwy 78, then 1.5 mi W on Cnty Rd 72 to SW shore. Directions
- Otter Tail Lake (W): 1 natural launch ramp. 3.5 mi N of the city of Battle Lake on Mn Hwy 78, then 1 mi W and N on Cnty Rd 72 to SW shore. Directions
- Otter Tail Lake, Sportsman (E): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 30 trailer spaces. 1.5 mi SW of downtown Ottertail on E side of Mn Hwy 78, to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Zorbaz, otter Tail Lake location of the lakeside pizza and Mexican favorite.
Nearby lakes
- Walker Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hanson Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ethel Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Blanche Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 3.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Bay 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pickerel Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Emma Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Otter Tail Lake
How deep is Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake reaches a maximum depth of 120 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake covers about 14,079 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Otter Tail Lake?
Summer water clarity on Otter Tail Lake averages 13.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Otter Tail Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Otter Tail Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Otter Tail Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Otter Tail Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: Otter Tail Lake, Riviera (N); Otter Tail Lake, Riverside; Otter Tail Lake (W); Otter Tail Lake, Sportsman (E).
How is the walleye population on Otter Tail Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2021, walleye numbers on Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail Lake?
Homes on Otter Tail 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 Tail Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Otter Tail Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 46% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.6 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 Tail Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Otter Tail 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.