West Silent Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56051900.
West Silent Lake is a 346.6-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 58 ft, and about 34% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 18.3 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 West Silent 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 West Silent LakeWhat’s my West Silent Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56051900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 346.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 58 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 34% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 18.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 18.3 ft, phosphorus 10.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, West Silent Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on West Silent Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2014 (12 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 | 0.56 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.22 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 25.44 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.33 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 9.0 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2014), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019), Northern pike 30.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
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
- West Silent Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 7 mi W of Dent on Mn Hwy 108, then 0.5 mi S to N shore. Directions
- West Silent Lake (W): carry-in or shore access. Take CR 108 east out of Pelican Rapids for 10.5 miles to Silent Acres Dr. Follow Silent Acres Dr north for 0.3 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Moore Lake 1.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Silent Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sunfish Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Long Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Beers Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about West Silent Lake
How deep is West Silent Lake?
West Silent Lake reaches a maximum depth of 58 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 34% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is West Silent Lake?
West Silent Lake covers about 346.6 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is West Silent Lake?
Summer water clarity on West Silent Lake averages 18.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does West Silent Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes West Silent Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in West Silent Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in West Silent Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2014.
Where is the public boat access on West Silent Lake?
West Silent Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: West Silent Lake (E); West Silent Lake (W).
How is the walleye population on West Silent Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2005 to 2014, walleye numbers on West Silent 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 West Silent Lake?
Homes on West Silent 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 West Silent Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on West Silent Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 34% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 18.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on West Silent Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about West Silent 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 2014), 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.