Prairie Lake

How big is Prairie Lake?

How deep is Prairie Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Prairie Lake?

Are there boat launches on Prairie Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Prairie Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Prairie Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Prairie Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Prairie Lake?

Prairie Lake is a 1,016-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County. The southern shoreline abuts the city of Pelican Rapids, MN. Prairie Lake is part of the Otter Tail River Watershed. The Pelican River inlet is located along the northeast shoreline while the outlet is located along the south shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Prairie Lake is 22 feet; however, 79% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2013 lake survey was 9.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.0 to 11.9 feet. Water clarity in this lake sometimes diminishes during the summer months due to plankton/algae blooms.
The north and east shorelines of Prairie Lake have been extensively developed. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned public water access is located along the southeast shoreline of the lake. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Large stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are located along the south, west, and north shorelines. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and cattail 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 an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Prairie 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, Walleye, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in Prairie Lake. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
Northern Pike abundance has historically been stable. The test-net catch rate has exceeded or been within the normal range in every survey conducted. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 11.7 to 34.6 inches with an average length and weight of 18.8 inches and 1.6 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.3 inches at five years of age.
Walleye abundance has also remained stable. Walleyes ranged in length from 11.4 to 24.5 inches with an average length and weight of 15.9 inches and 1.5 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.3 inches at four years of age.
Prairie Lake is a popular lake for Largemouth Bass fishing. Data from recent lake surveys and an electrofishing assessment indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Bass sampled in this assessment ranged in length from 8.1 to 19.3 inches.
Bluegill abundance has historically been within the normal range for this type of lake. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Fifty-six percent of the bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.3 inches at seven years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Prairie Lake 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 Prairie Lake?

Are there any state parks near Prairie Lake?