Middle Lake

How big is Middle Lake?

How deep is Middle Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Middle Lake?

What are the closest cities to Middle Lake?

Are there boat launches on Middle Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Middle Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Middle Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Middle 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 Middle Lake?

Middle Lake is a 194-acre mesotrohpic (moderately fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County approximately eight miles south of Battle Lake, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 56 feet; however, 52% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Historical secchi disk readings have ranged from 10.0 to 17.5 feet.
The majority of the shoreline is undeveloped. A DNR owned public water access is located along the southwest shoreline in the Jensen Wildlife Management Area. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice) is prevalent throughout the lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from erosion and can even absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning habitat for fish species like Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, 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 reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (5 per day) was implemented in 2022. The objective of the regulation is to maintain the quality of the Bluegill size structure. A special spring trapnetting survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the Bluegill population, which will be used for regulation evaluation purposes in future surveys. The Bluegill population is extremely abundant and has a quality size structure. Eighty-one percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 27% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 8.3 inches at seven years of age.
A special harvest regulation for Largemouth Bass was implemented in 2008. All bass 12.0 inches and longer must be immediately released with the exception of one over 20.0 inches allowed in possession. The objective of the regulation is to maintain or improve the size structure of the Largemouth Bass population.
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.
Middle Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2020. 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 Middle Lake?

Are there any state parks near Middle Lake?