Prairie Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56091500.
Prairie Lake is a 1,004-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 22 ft, and about 80% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 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 | 56091500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 1,004 acres |
| Maximum depth | 22 ft |
| Mean depth | 10.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 80% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.8 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 9.2 ft, phosphorus 19.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Prairie Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Prairie Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 6.78 | 0.8 to 3.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.08 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.44 | 2.0 to 10.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.92 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.33 | 2.0 to 22.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.89 | 1.7 to 17.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.58 | 2.1 to 24.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 27.25 | 3.5 to 57.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.3 to 0.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.92 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.89 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.08 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.42 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 4.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 30.0 in (2019), Walleye 20.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2019), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 10. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2009).
Public boat access
- Prairie Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 1 mi N of downtown Pelican Rapids on US Hwy 59 to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Sand Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie (north portion) Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tamarac Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grove Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Olaf Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pete Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Lida Lake 5.1 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Prairie Lake
How deep is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake reaches a maximum depth of 22 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 80% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake covers about 1,004 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Prairie Lake?
Summer water clarity on Prairie Lake averages 9.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Prairie Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Prairie Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Prairie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Prairie Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Prairie Lake.
How is the walleye population on Prairie Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2019, walleye numbers on Prairie 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 Prairie Lake?
Homes on Prairie 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 Prairie Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Prairie Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 80% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Prairie Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Prairie 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 2019), 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.