Tamarac Lake

How big is Tamarac Lake?

How deep is Tamarac Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Tamarac Lake?

What are the closest cities to Tamarac Lake?

Are there boat launches on Tamarac Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Tamarac Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Tamarac Lake?

Tamarac Lake is a 392-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County approximately ten miles north of Pelican Rapids, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Tamarac Lake is 11 feet. The secchi disk reading was 5.9 feet. Previous secchi disk reading have ranged from 4.6 to 8.2 feet.
Tamarac Lake has a history of experiencing periodic winterkills which has corresponded to large fluctuations in gamefish abundance. An aeration system was purchased for Tamarac Lake in 2002 to minimize the possibility of winterkill during severe winters; however, it was not operated during the winter of 2013 and Tamarac Lake experienced a significant winterkill.
The majority of the shoreline is developed. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned concrete public access is located off of County Road 34 along the south shoreline. Main lake shoreline substrates consist primarily of sand and muck. The only marsh areas on the lake are located in two small bays along the west shore of the lake. Hardstem Bulrush stands are located in the middle of the lake and along the northeast shoreline. Stands of Common Cattail are scattered around the entire lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines from erosion and can even absorb and breakdown pollutants from the water. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and panfish. They also are important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Tamarac 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, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species.
A very high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 15.8 to 30.4 inches with an average length and weight of 20.0 inches and 1.6 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.7 inches at four years of age.
Bluegills are abundant. Bluegills sampled via trap net ranged in length from 3.5 to 10.2 inches with a mean length of 6.3 inches. Fifteen percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain a mean length of 6.7 inches at age-III.
Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass are present but are low in abundance. The low catch rates are not surprising as the lake is still recovering from the 2013 winterkill. Even though numbers are low, it is good to see the presence of these game fish species and that they are beginning to be re-established.
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 will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Tamarac 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. Anglers are required to remove all visible plants, mud, and other prohibited invasive species and drain all water from their boat prior to leaving the water access.

What is the average air temp for Tamarac Lake?

Are there any state parks near Tamarac Lake?