Stalker Lake

How big is Stalker Lake?

How deep is Stalker Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Stalker Lake?

What are the closest cities to 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 mesotrophic (moderately fertile) 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 2022 lake survey was 7.5 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 concrete 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 the entire 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.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
Walleye abundance increased slightly from the previous three surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 9.5 to 24.6 inches with an average length and weight of 17.5 inches and 2.1 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.9 inches at three years of age.
A moderate density Northern Pike population exists and age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 17.4 to 29.6 inches with an average length and weight of 22.6 inches and 2.5 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.6 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing 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.
Stalker Lake was listed as infested with flowering rush in 2018. 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.

What is the average air temp for Stalker Lake?

Are there any state parks near Stalker Lake?