East Spirit Lake

How big is East Spirit Lake?

How deep is East Spirit Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in East Spirit Lake?

Are there boat launches on East Spirit Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near East Spirit Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in East Spirit Lake?

East Spirit Lake is a 544 acre, moderately fertile lake located in north-central Otter Tail County, approximately three miles southwest of Vergas, MN. The maximum depth is 38 feet and 45% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during this survey was 13.5 feet, which indicates good water clarity. Secchi disk readings since 1975 have ranged from 11.0 - 15.0 feet. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of gravel, sand and muck. The majority of the north and south shorelines are developed. A state owned public access is located on County Road 4 along the NW shore of the lake.
Along with the many shoreline points that contain bulrush, there are 2 distinct bulrush humps on the northern main portion of the lake. Another unique area is the eastern bay located on the central portion of the lake that is rimmed with a floating cattail bog. Common cattail and hardstem bulrush provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical in maintaining good water quality. These emergent plants also provide critical spawning habitat for several fish species including Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for many species of fish. They protect shorelines from erosion and can actually absorb and break down pollutants. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants cannot be removed without a DNR permit.
East Spirit Lake can be ecologically classified as a Bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species present.
Walleye is a primary management specie in this lake. Walleye abundance was low in 2013 (1.1 per net). Walleye from gill nets ranged in length from 11.7 - 22.1 inches, with an average length and weight of 18.2 inches and 2.2 pounds. Walleye attain an average length of 14.7 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance has remained at a moderate density and age data indicates that natural reproduction has continued to be consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13.9 - 34.3 inches with an average length and weight of 18.7 inches and 1.5 pounds. Eleven percent of the Northern Pike in the gill net sample measured greater than 24.0 inches in length. Pike growth is slow with an average length of 19.7 inches at four years of age. The slow growth rates for pike may be attributed to the low abundance of Yellow Perch, a preferred forage fish.
Bluegill abundance has historically fluctuated and is now on the high end. Fifty-six percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 5.4 inches at five years of age.
The Black Crappie population appears to be rebounding. Black Crappies ranged in length from 5.8 - 11.6 inches with an average length of 9.3 inches. Black Crappies attain an average length of 9.3 inches at five years of age.
Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Age data indicate that Bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 3.5 - 16.7 inches with an average length of 11.1 inches. Largemouth Bass attain an average length of 12.6 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can help 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 the 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 East Spirit Lake?

Are there any state parks near East Spirit Lake?