Pickerel Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Maine. DNR lake ID 56047500.
Pickerel Lake is an 848.7-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Maine. Its deepest point reaches 78 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.9 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56047500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Maine |
| Surface area | 848.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 78 ft |
| Mean depth | 28.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.9 ft, phosphorus 12.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Pickerel Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Pickerel 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 | 20.33 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 1.58 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.17 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.83 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.08 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.0 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 0.58 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 3.33 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 2.08 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.58 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.25 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2020), Northern pike 19.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2020).
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), Bowfin, Common carp, 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 2020).
Public boat access
- Pickerel Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. 10.5 mi NW of the city of Battle Lake to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Twin Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Maine (Round) Lake 1.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Twin Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Leon Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brown Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Mud Lake 4.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Dead Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Lost Lake 4.7 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Pickerel Lake
How deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake reaches a maximum depth of 78 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers about 848.7 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pickerel Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pickerel Lake averages 12.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Pickerel Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Pickerel Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Pickerel Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Pickerel Lake.
How is the walleye population on Pickerel Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2020, walleye numbers on Pickerel 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 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?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.9 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 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.