Middle Leaf Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Middle Leaf Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Leaf Lake, MN
- How big is Middle Leaf Lake?
- How deep is Middle Leaf Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Middle Leaf Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Middle Leaf Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Middle Leaf Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Middle Leaf Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Middle Leaf Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Middle Leaf Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Middle Leaf Lake?
How big is Middle Leaf Lake?
How deep is Middle Leaf Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Middle Leaf Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Mottled Sculpin, Shorthead Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Middle Leaf Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Middle Leaf Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Middle Leaf Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Middle Leaf Lake?
Explore the Middle Leaf Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Middle Leaf Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Middle Leaf Lake was conducted on July 20, 2022 by Fergus Falls Area Fisheries Staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Electrofishing was completed at all ten sampling stations, but two stations were moved a short distance due to site conditions and two stations were sampled by boat electrofishing. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations, a 15-foot seine was used at five stations, and soft sediments and abundant vegetation prevented the use of seines at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured 17 species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter and Logperch) and two species that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish).
The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a July 2022 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter and Logperch), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.
Results from this survey indicate the fish community of Middle Leaf Lake is affected by disturbance as indicated by a FIBI score below the threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Leaf River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.
What is the average air temp for Middle Leaf Lake?
Are there any state parks near Middle Leaf 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 Middle Leaf Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| East Leaf Lake | 1.4 mi | 423 | 47 ft |
| West Leaf Lake | 2.0 mi | 700 | 55 ft |
| Grass Lake | 3.2 mi | 82 | |
| Portage Lake (main bay) | 3.9 mi | 269 | 49 ft |
| Long Lake | 4.6 mi | 99 | 56 ft |
| Gourd Lake | 4.8 mi | 966 | |
| Donalds Lake | 4.9 mi | 166 | 43 ft |
| Buchanan Lake | 5.9 mi | 964 | 42 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 6.2 mi | 71 | 73 ft |
| Pelican Bay Lake | 6.3 mi | 42 |
