Star Lake

How big is Star Lake?

How deep is Star Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Star Lake?

What are the closest cities to Star Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Star Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Star Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Star Lake

Are there boat launches on Star Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Star Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Star Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Star 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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Star Lake?

Star Lake is a 4,721-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately four miles west of Dent, MN. Star Lake is connected to Dead and Round Lakes via non-navigable streams. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Extensive marsh areas are located in the south bay and the west arm of the lake. The maximum depth is 94 feet; however, 59% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2021 survey was 12.4 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.8 to 14.0 feet.
Development is scattered around the entire shoreline of Star Lake. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. DNR owned public water accesses are located along the north and east shorelines. Stands of hardstem bulrush, wild rice, and common cattail are scattered along the shoreline of the entire lake; however, the largest stands are located in the south bay and the west arm. 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.
Star Lake is a popular angling lake during both the open water and ice fishing seasons. The lake has a reputation as one of the best all-around fishing lakes in Otter Tail County with most popular gamefish species having abundant populations and good size structures. A reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (10 per day) was implemented in 2005 to maintain the high quality size structure of the Bluegill population.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
The long-term trend has been an increase in Walleye abundance. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.2 to 24.0 inches with an average length and weight of 14.6 inches and 1.1 pounds. Age and catch data indicate that the 2018 year class is very strong and should provide excellent Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.6 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance has remained high in recent surveys. Age and length data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13.7 to 33.1 inches with an average length and weight of 19.1 inches and 1.5 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.4 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can 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 has enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Star Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2019. 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 Star Lake?

Are there any state parks near Star Lake?