Fish Lake

How big is Fish Lake?

How deep is Fish Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Fish Lake?

What are the closest cities to Fish Lake?

Are there boat launches on Fish Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Fish Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Fish Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Fish 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?

Fish Lake is an 888-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately five miles northeast of Fergus Falls, MN. Fish Lake is part of the Otter Tail River Watershed. There are two intermittent inlets and one outlet. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of is 19 feet; however, the vast majority of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2023 survey was 9.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 3.0 to 9.7 feet.
The majority of the shoreline on Fish Lake remains undeveloped. The development that exists (homes and cabins) is located primarily along the north shoreline. The undeveloped shoreline is composed primarily of mixed hardwoods. A DNR owned public water access is located along the north shoreline off of County Road 1. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and silt. Large stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along various shorelines of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as 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 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 an important nursery area 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 standard survey was conducted in 2023 to analyze the fish community. Fish Lake is a popular angling lake due to its close proximity to Fergus Falls. The most sought after fish species are Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie.
Walleye abundance was the highest recorded for this lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 8.9 to 22.4 inches with an average length and weight of 16.0 inches and 1.5 pounds. The 2021 year class is very strong and should provide excellent Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes exhibit fast growth with an average length of 17.0 inches at three years of age.
Northern Pike abundance and size structure have historically fluctuated. Northern Pike ranged in length from 16.1 to 25.4 inches with an average length and weight of 21.3 inches and 2.0 pounds. Northern Pike growth is also fast with an average length of 20.9 inches at three years of age.
Bluegill abundance was also the highest recorded for this lake. The long term trend has been for an increase in Bluegill abundance. A quality Bluegill size structure exists with 36% of the Bluegill sample measuring 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 8.1 inches at seven years of age.
A reduced bag limit harvest regulation (5 fish daily bag) was implemented in 2021. The management goal of this regulation is to maintain or improve the quality of the Bluegill size structure.
Previous special surveys have indicated that the Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie populations have also been historically abundant with excellent size structures, consistently good reproduction, and above-average growth.
Anglers can also help 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 the 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.
Fish Lake is not listed as an infested water. 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.

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Are there any state parks near Fish Lake?