First Silver Lake

How big is First Silver Lake?

How deep is First Silver Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in First Silver Lake?

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Are there boat launches on First Silver Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near First Silver Lake?

Silver Lake is a 547-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County one mile north of Battle Lake, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of grasslands interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 43 feet; however, 42% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2016 lake survey was 8.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 6.0 to 12.2 feet.
The majority of the shoreline is developed with homes and cottages. A state owned public access is located along the north shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Several small stands of hardstem bulrush exist along the eastern portion of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush 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 species such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. 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.
Silver Lake can be ecologically classified as a Walleye-centrarchid type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie are the dominant gamefish species.
Walleye is a primary management specie in Silver Lake. Walleye abundance has consistently remained at a high level. The 2013 and 2014 year classes appear to be strong and should provide consistently good angling for several years. Walleyes ranged in length from 9.5 to 22.4 inches with an average length and weight of 13.9 inches and 1.1 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.5 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance has historically been low due to a lack of suitable spawning habitat. Pike ranged in length from 20.2 to 28.0 inches with an average length and weight of 24.3 inches and 3.0 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 23.4 inches at four years of age.
Bluegill abundance and size structure has historically fluctuated. In this survey, Bluegills were very abundant. Thirteen percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.1 inches at six years of age.
Black Crappies are also abundant. The 2011 year class is strong. Seventy-six percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies attain an average length of 10.1 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing 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.

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