Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Prairie Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Prairie Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Prairie Lake, MN
- How big is Prairie Lake?
- How deep is Prairie Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Prairie Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Prairie Lake area?
- 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?
- What is the average air temp for Prairie Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Prairie Lake?
How big is Prairie Lake?
How deep is Prairie Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Prairie Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Prairie Lake area?
More Lodging Options
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?
Explore the Prairie 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.
2021 Fleetwood Flair - "Frankie the Flair" - Family Friendly - 29 Feet
FARGO, ND
What aquatic invasive species are found in Prairie 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
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?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Prairie Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Sand Lake | 2.7 mi | 152 | 29 ft |
Lizzie Lake (north portion) | 4.0 mi | 1,900 | 66 ft |
Tamarac Lake | 4.5 mi | 445 | 11 ft |
North Lida Lake | 5.2 mi | 5,514 | 58 ft |
Lake Franklin | 5.4 mi | 1,088 | 48 ft |
West Olaf Lake | 5.5 mi | 209 | 61 ft |
Crystal Lake | 5.8 mi | 1,412 | 55 ft |
South Lida Lake | 6.0 mi | 775 | 48 ft |
Fish Lake | 6.0 mi | 277 | 69 ft |
Fish Lake (Fish/bass) | 6.2 mi | 261 | 69 ft |