Stalker Lake

How big is Stalker Lake?

How deep is Stalker Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Stalker Lake?

Are there boat launches on Stalker Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Stalker Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Stalker Lake?

Stalker Lake is a 1,280-acre lake located in southwestern Otter Tail County approximately seven miles southeast of Underwood, MN. Stalker Lake is part of the Pomme de Terre River Watershed. The Pomme de Terre River outlet is located along the southwest shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood forest interspersed with areas of agricultural land. Stalker Lake has a maximum depth of 95 feet; however, 45% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The morphometry of Stalker Lake is unique; numerous humps and bars exist throughout the lake. The secchi disk reading during the 2014 lake survey was 6.9 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 3.5 to 7.9 feet.
The shoreline of Stalker Lake is moderately developed. A DNR owned public water access is located along the southwest shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Large stands of hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice are prevalent throughout Stalker Lake. Emergent aquatic plants 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.
Stalker Lake is a popular angling lake. Recent lake survey data indicate that Stalker Lake has good populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Size distributions for these species appear to be good also. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of quality spawning habitat that is available.
Walleye is a primary management specie in Stalker Lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.5 to 22.4 inches with an average length and weight of 17.7 inches and 2.0 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.0 inches at four years of age.
A moderate density Northern Pike population exists. Age and length data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 20.4 to 28.4 inches with an average length and weight of 24.6 inches and 3.3 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 22.2 inches at four years of age.
Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists with a moderate level of reproduction. Bass ranged in length from 8.5 to 20.8 inches with an average length and weight of 15.8 inches and 2.4 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 15.2 inches at five years of age.
An abundant Bluegill population exists. Bluegill size structure has remained stable with thirteen percent of the sample measuring 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.2 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Stalker Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium and 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 opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Stalker Lake?

Are there any state parks near Stalker Lake?