Star Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. DNR lake ID 56038500.
Star Lake is a 4,486-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. Its deepest point reaches 94 ft, and about 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.7 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, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Star 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56038500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Dent |
| Surface area | 4,486 acres |
| Maximum depth | 94 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 63% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.7 ft, phosphorus 15.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Star Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Star Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 9.08 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.67 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.08 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 5.5 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.58 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.17 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 33.0 in (2021), Walleye 23.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021).
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), 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 2019).
Public boat access
- Star Lake, N 108: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 27 trailer spaces. 5 mi W of Dent on Mn Hwy 108 to N shore. Directions
- Star Lake, E Quiram: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 5 mi W of Dent on Mn Hwy 108, then 2 mi S on Twp Rd to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Galaxy Resort, lakeside resort known for its broasted chicken.
Nearby lakes
- Moore Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Silent Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Long Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Silent Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Star Lake
How deep is Star Lake?
Star Lake reaches a maximum depth of 94 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Star Lake?
Star Lake covers about 4,486 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Star Lake?
Summer water clarity on Star Lake averages 15.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Star Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Star Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Star Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Star Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Star Lake?
Star Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Star Lake, N 108; Star Lake, E Quiram.
How is the walleye population on Star Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2021, walleye numbers on Star 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 Star Lake?
Homes on Star 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 Star Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Star Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 63% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Star Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Star Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Star 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 2021), 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.