Scalp Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Frazee. DNR lake ID 56035800.
Scalp Lake is a 254.4-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Frazee. Its deepest point reaches 90 ft, and about 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 21.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56035800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Frazee |
| Surface area | 254.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 90 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 26% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 21.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 9.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 21.4 ft, phosphorus 9.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Scalp Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Scalp 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 | 4.0 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.83 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.67 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.33 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 28.0 in (2019), Northern pike 38.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), 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 2021).
Public boat access
- Scalp Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 3 mi NE of Vergas on Cnty Rd 4 then 1.5 mi W on Twp Rd to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Six Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Five Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rose Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wimer Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eagle Lake 2.7 mi, Becker County
- Graham Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Jim Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Scalp Lake
How deep is Scalp Lake?
Scalp Lake reaches a maximum depth of 90 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Scalp Lake?
Scalp Lake covers about 254.4 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Scalp Lake?
Summer water clarity on Scalp Lake averages 21.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Scalp Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Scalp Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Scalp Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Scalp Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Scalp Lake?
Scalp Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Scalp Lake.
How is the walleye population on Scalp Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2004 to 2019, walleye numbers on Scalp 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 Scalp Lake?
Homes on Scalp 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 Scalp Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Scalp Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 26% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 21.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Scalp Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Scalp Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Scalp 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.