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The lake has a maximum depth of 65 feet and an average depth of 9.5 feet, making it relatively shallow compared to other lakes in the area. It is surrounded by forests and wetlands, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
Dead Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is part of the Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area and is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Dead Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Lake, MN
- How big is Dead Lake?
- How deep is Dead Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Dead Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Dead Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Dead Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Dead Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Dead Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Dead Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Dead Lake?
How big is Dead Lake?
How deep is Dead Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Dead Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Fathead Minnow, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Mimic Shiner, Sand Shiner, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Dead Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Dead Lake?
Are there boat launches on Dead Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Dead Lake?
Explore the Dead Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Dead Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Dead Lake is a 7,901-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately three miles south of Dent, MN. The Dead River outlet is located along the southeast shoreline and flows south into Walker and Otter Tail Lakes. The Walker Lake State Fish Hatchery is located on the Dead River. Dead Lake is also connected to Star Lake by a non-navigable channel under County Road 35. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural and marsh land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Dead Lake is 65 feet; however, 83% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2015 lake survey was 5.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 3.0 to 6.0 feet. Water clarity in Dead Lake sometimes diminishes during the summer months due to plankton/algae blooms.
The majority of the shoreline of Dead Lake remains undeveloped. Approximately 70% of the shoreline is composed of mixed hardwoods or marshlands. Homes, cabins, and resorts occupy the shoreline that is developed. Three public water accesses are available. They are located along the north, west, and east shorelines. Large stands of hardstem bulrush and wild rice are prevalent throughout the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and wild rice provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Dead Lake has a reputation as one of the best all-around fishing lakes in Otter Tail County. Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
Walleyes ranged in length from 9.2 to 23.8 inches with an average length and weight of 15.1 inches and 1.3 pounds. Age data indicate that the 2011, 2012, and 2013 year classes are strong and should provide consistently good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.7 inches at four years of age.
Northern pike abundance has remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good but that mortality is high and growth is slow. Pike ranged in length from 11.9 to 26.1 inches with an average length and weight of 17.4 inches and 1.0 pound. Pike attain an average length of 19.8 inches at four years of age.
Bluegill abundance has also remained stable. The general trend has been for an increase in Bluegill size distribution. Twenty-eight percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.0 inches at six years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for Dead Lake?
Are there any state parks near Dead Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Dead Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lone Pine Lake | 3.5 mi | 88 | 79 ft |
| Lake Alice | 4.5 mi | 47 | 39 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 4.5 mi | 849 | 78 ft |
| Pine Lake | 4.6 mi | 72 | 94 ft |
| Walker Lake | 4.6 mi | 578 | 29 ft |
| Star Lake | 4.7 mi | 4,454 | 94 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 5.2 mi | 29 | 50 ft |
| Round Lake | 5.3 mi | 173 | 18 ft |
| Twin Lake | 5.4 mi | 369 | 50 ft |
| Tenter Lake | 5.5 mi | 83 | 63 ft |
