North Lida Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be fairly active with peak fishing times around 8-9 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
The lake has a maximum depth of 58 feet and an average depth of 19 feet. It is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
North Lida Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, North Lida Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The lake is also known for its historical significance, as it was an important transportation route for Native Americans and early settlers, and is now a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on North Lida Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About North Lida Lake, MN
- How big is North Lida Lake?
- How deep is North Lida Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in North Lida Lake?
- What are the closest cities to North Lida Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the North Lida Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on North Lida Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near North Lida Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for North Lida Lake?
- What is the average air temp for North Lida Lake?
- Are there any state parks near North Lida Lake?
How big is North Lida Lake?
How deep is North Lida Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in North Lida Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to North Lida Lake?
Are there places to stay in the North Lida Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on North Lida Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near North Lida Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for North Lida Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations North Lida 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?
Explore the North Lida Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in North Lida 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
North Lida Lake is a 5,564-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County approximately five miles east of Pelican Rapids, MN. North Lida Lake is connected to South Lida Lake by a navigable culvert under State Highway 108 along the south shoreline. North Lida Lake is also connected to Lizzie Lake via a non-navigable culvert under County Road 4. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 58 feet; however, 43% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Historical secchi disk readings have ranged from 6.0 to 14.5 feet.
A majority of the shoreline on North Lida Lake has been developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located off of County Road 4 along the north shoreline. Large stands of hardstem bulrush are scattered throughout 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 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.
A reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (10 per day) was implemented in 2022. The objective of the regulation is to maintain the quality of the Bluegill size structure. A special spring trapnetting survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the Bluegill population, which will be used for regulation evaluation purposes in future surveys. The Bluegill population is extremely abundant and has a quality size structure. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Seventy-one percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 25% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 8.3 inches at eight years of age.
Harvest regulations for Walleye and Black Crappie have also been implemented on North Lida Lake. The Walleye regulation is a 17.0 to 26.0 inch protected slot length limit with one fish over 26.0 inches allowed in possession. The Black Crappie regulation is an 11-inch minimum length limit. The intent of these regulations is to maintain the size structures of these populations.
Anglers can also 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 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.
North Lida Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2014. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.
What is the average air temp for North Lida Lake?
Are there any state parks near North Lida 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 North Lida Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.4 mi | 27 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.5 mi | 10 | |
| Crystal Lake | 2.6 mi | 1,412 | 55 ft |
| Crystal Lake | 2.6 mi | 1,413 | 55 ft |
| Crystal Lake | 2.6 mi | 1,413 | 55 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.8 mi | 15 | 42 ft |
| John Lake | 3.0 mi | 79 | |
| South Lida Lake | 3.2 mi | 777 | 48 ft |
| Grass Lake | 3.7 mi | 72 | 21 ft |
| Venstrom Lake | 3.8 mi | 72 |
