Paul Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. DNR lake ID 56033500.
Paul Lake is a 346.5-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. Its deepest point reaches 81 ft, and about 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.1 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 Paul 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 | 56033500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Perham |
| Surface area | 346.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 81 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 31% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.1 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2020: clarity 15.1 ft, phosphorus 16.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Paul Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Paul Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 8.33 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.33 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.5 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 6.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.2 to 1.6 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.33 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 33.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2020), Walleye 29.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 15.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
- Paul Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 2 mi E of Dent on Mn Hwy 108, then 3 mi N on Cnty Rd 123, then 1 mi W on Cnty Rd 34 to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rusch Lake 0.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Little McDonald Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ceynowa Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Moenkedick Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Kerbs Lake 1.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Berger Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wolf Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grunard Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Paul Lake
How deep is Paul Lake?
Paul Lake reaches a maximum depth of 81 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Paul Lake?
Paul Lake covers about 346.5 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Paul Lake?
Summer water clarity on Paul Lake averages 15.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Paul Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Paul Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Paul Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Paul Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Paul Lake?
Paul Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Paul Lake.
How is the walleye population on Paul Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2002 to 2020, walleye numbers on Paul 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 Paul Lake?
Homes on Paul 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 Paul Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Paul Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 31% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Paul Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Paul Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Paul 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 2020), 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.