Spitzer Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Urbank. DNR lake ID 56016000.
Spitzer Lake is a 731.4-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Urbank. Its deepest point reaches 33 ft, and about 86% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56016000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Urbank |
| Surface area | 731.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 33 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 86% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 33.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2017 to 2025) |
| 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 8.2 ft, phosphorus 33.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Spitzer Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2017 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Spitzer Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 0.44 | 1.0 to 3.2 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.78 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.89 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.89 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.83 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 38.22 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 38.67 | 4.0 to 28.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.56 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.42 | 0.2 to 0.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.5 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 5.42 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2018), Northern pike 34.0 in (2018), Walleye 25.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, 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
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
- Spitzer Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. 5.5 mi W of Urbank on Cnty Rd 38 to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hancock Lake 1.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Belmont Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eagle Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Middle Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crane Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Torgerson Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Siverson Lake 6.3 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Spitzer Lake
How deep is Spitzer Lake?
Spitzer Lake reaches a maximum depth of 33 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 86% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Spitzer Lake?
Spitzer Lake covers about 731.4 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Spitzer Lake?
Summer water clarity on Spitzer Lake averages 8.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Spitzer Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Spitzer 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.
What fish are in Spitzer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker in Spitzer Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Spitzer Lake?
Spitzer Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Spitzer Lake.
How is the walleye population on Spitzer Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2007 to 2018, walleye numbers on Spitzer Lake ran mostly below 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 Spitzer Lake?
Homes on Spitzer 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 Spitzer Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Spitzer Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 86% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Spitzer Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Spitzer Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Spitzer 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 2018), 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.