German Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be extremely active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE

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We want to see what you've caught on German Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About German Lake, MN
- How big is German Lake?
- How deep is German Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in German Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for German Lake?
- What are the closest cities to German Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the German Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on German Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near German Lake?
- What is the average air temp for German Lake?
- Are there any state parks near German Lake?
How big is German Lake?
How deep is German Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in German Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Pugnose Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for German Lake?
What are the closest cities to German Lake?
Are there places to stay in the German Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on German Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near German Lake?
History & Status of the Fishery
German Lake is a 71-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately one mile south of Underwood, MN. German Lake is the headwaters of the Pomme De Terre River. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of marshland. German Lake has a maximum depth of 46.0 feet; however, 35% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Secchi disk readings have ranged from 9.5 to 18.0 feet.
The majority of the shoreline of German Lake is undeveloped. A state owned earthen public access is located along the southwest shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and silt. Stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along the entire lakeshore. Emergent aquatic plants such as wild rice and bulrush 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.
German Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass are two of the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that exists. Special spring assessments were conducted to analyze these populations.
A moderate density Bluegill population exists. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Size structure is excellent; eighty six percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain a mean length of 7.5 inches at six years of age.
Data collected from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a high-density, slow growing Largemouth Bass population exists. Age data suggest that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 3.6 to 20.6 inches with an average length and weight of 10.5 inches and 0.9 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 12.9 inches at five 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.
German 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 German Lake?
Are there any state parks near German Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around German Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 0.8 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 0.9 mi | 10 | |
| Dane Lake | 1.2 mi | 104 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.4 mi | 32 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.7 mi | 27 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.8 mi | 17 | |
| Long Lake | 2.1 mi | 204 | 24 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.2 mi | 15 | |
| Bass Lake | 2.5 mi | 308 | 36 ft |
| Bass Lake | 2.5 mi | 311 | 36 ft |



