Spitzer Lake

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Spitzer Lake is a 728-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County approximately five miles northwest of Urbank, MN. Spitzer Lake is part of the Pomme de Terre River Watershed. There are several intermittent, unnavigable inlets and outlets connected to Spitzer Lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of mixed hardwood forests. The maximum depth is 33 feet; however, 87% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2018 lake survey was 13.1 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.1 to 13.1 feet. Periodic plankton and algae blooms during the summer months can influence secchi disk readings on this lake.
The majority of the shoreline remains undeveloped. A DNR concrete public water access is located off of County Road 38 along the south shoreline of the lake. Stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along the entire lakeshore. 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 important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Spitzer 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, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The abundance of these species can be attributed to the diversity of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Pike size structure has historically been poor. Pike ranged in length from 14.6 to 34.9 inches with an average length and weight of 21.2 inches and 2.2 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 23.5 inches at five years of age.
Data from an electrofishing assessment indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Age data indicate that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 6.1 to 18.9 inches with an average length and weight of 14.0 inches and 1.8 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 12.8 inches at four years of age.
The Bluegill population is abundant and age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good; however, size structure is poor. Only 15% of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.6 inches at six 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.
Spitzer Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. The non-native 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.

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