Tonseth Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Erhard. DNR lake ID 56069000.
Tonseth Lake is a 149-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Erhard. Its deepest point reaches 27 ft, and about 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Tonseth 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 | 56069000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Erhard |
| Surface area | 149 acres |
| Maximum depth | 27 ft |
| Mean depth | 15.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 53% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.1 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.1 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Tonseth Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Tonseth Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1999 (27 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 | 0.5 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.33 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.0 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.75 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.88 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 20.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 91.38 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.17 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 3.75 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 13.5 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 20.0 | 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 (1999), Walleye 23.0 in (1999), Northern pike 34.0 in (1999).
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Mule Lake 0.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Heilberger Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Anderson Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crystal Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Big Stone Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brackett Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eddy Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Tonseth Lake
How deep is Tonseth Lake?
Tonseth Lake reaches a maximum depth of 27 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Tonseth Lake?
Tonseth Lake covers about 149 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Tonseth Lake?
Summer water clarity on Tonseth Lake averages 11.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Tonseth Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Tonseth 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Tonseth Lake?
Homes on Tonseth 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 Tonseth Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Tonseth Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 53% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Tonseth Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Tonseth Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Tonseth 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 1999), 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.