Stuart Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vining. DNR lake ID 56019100.
Stuart Lake is a 739.8-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vining. Its deepest point reaches 49 ft, and about 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.8 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.
Buying or selling on Stuart 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Stuart LakeWhat’s my Stuart Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56019100 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vining |
| Surface area | 739.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 49 ft |
| Mean depth | 17.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 55% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.8 ft, phosphorus 11.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Stuart Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Stuart 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 | 1.33 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.5 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 35.0 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.08 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.89 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.08 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 4.25 | 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 (2019), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2019), Walleye 23.0 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), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Crappie must be 10 in or longer. Sunfish daily limit 10. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2022).
Public boat access
- Stuart Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. Approximately 2.5 mi NW of Vining to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- East Battle Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ellingson Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Siverson Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Battle Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Clitherall Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Molly Stark Lake 5.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Emma Lake 5.1 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Stuart Lake
How deep is Stuart Lake?
Stuart Lake reaches a maximum depth of 49 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 55% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Stuart Lake?
Stuart Lake covers about 739.8 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Stuart Lake?
Summer water clarity on Stuart Lake averages 16.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Stuart Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Stuart Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Stuart Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Stuart Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Stuart Lake?
Stuart Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Stuart Lake.
How is the walleye population on Stuart Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Stuart 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 Stuart Lake?
Homes on Stuart 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 Stuart Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Stuart Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 55% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Stuart Lake?
Yes. Crappie must be 10 in or longer. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Stuart 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.