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Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Lake, MN
- How big is Paul Lake?
- How deep is Paul Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Paul Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Paul Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Paul Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Paul Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Paul Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Paul Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Paul Lake?
How big is Paul Lake?
How deep is Paul Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Paul Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bluntnose Minnow, Fathead Minnow, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Paul Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Paul Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Paul Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Paul Lake?
Explore the Paul 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 Paul 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
Paul Lake is a 319-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately six miles west of Perham, MN. Paul Lake is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed. The immediate watershed is composed of hardwood forest interspersed with agricultural land and marshes. The maximum depth is 81 feet; however, 34% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2020 lake survey was 9.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 16.0 to 23.0 feet in previous surveys.
Development is located around the entire lake with the exception of the north shoreline. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located off of County Highway 34 along the north shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent aquatic plants such as Hardstem Bulrush and Common Cattail are extremely rare in Paul Lake.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
Walleye abundance has historically been stable and the Walleye numbers in the 2020 survey were the highest of all time. Walleyes ranged in length from 12.2 to 29.5 inches with an average length and weight of 21.2 inches and 3.9 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.2 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance has remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good due to increased water levels, which has allowed pike access to adjacent marshes for spawning. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13.5 to 33.8 inches with an average length and weight of 20.9 inches and 2.4 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 21.4 inches at four 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 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.
Paul Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2013. 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 Paul Lake?
Are there any state parks near Paul 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 Paul Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Little McDonald Lake | 0.9 mi | 1,316 | 109 ft |
| Moenkedick Lake | 1.3 mi | 103 | 35 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.3 mi | 10 | |
| Kerbs Lake | 1.8 mi | 101 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.0 mi | 40 | |
| Berger Lake | 2.0 mi | 314 | |
| Grunard Lake | 2.3 mi | 121 | 37 ft |
| Wolf Lake (West Wolf) | 2.4 mi | 73 | 51 ft |
| Walde Lake | 2.4 mi | 94 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.4 mi | 35 |
