Pickerel Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56020400.
Pickerel Lake is a 71.3-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 73 ft, and about 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Pickerel 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Pickerel LakeWhat’s my Pickerel Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56020400 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 71.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 73 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 55% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.4 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.4 ft.
Fishing on Pickerel Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2002 (24 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 | 9.0 | 2.5 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.33 | 1.8 to 18.1 |
| Bluegill | trap | 39.44 | 6.5 to 59.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.22 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.44 | 0.8 to 5.3 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2002), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2002).
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
- Little Pickerel: 1 gravel launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. From Ottertail, go west 1 mile on Hwy 108 to Co Rd 55. Go south 2.5 miles to site. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Gourd Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hanson Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Bay 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ethel Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Pickerel Lake
How deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake reaches a maximum depth of 73 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers about 71.3 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pickerel Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pickerel Lake averages 15.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Pickerel Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Pickerel 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.
Where is the public boat access on Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Pickerel.
Are there lake homes for sale on Pickerel Lake?
Homes on Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Pickerel Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 55% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pickerel Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Pickerel Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Pickerel 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 2002), 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.