Pickerel Lake

How big is Pickerel Lake?

How deep is Pickerel Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pickerel Lake?

What are the closest cities to Pickerel Lake?

Are there boat launches on Pickerel Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pickerel Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Pickerel Lake?

Pickerel Lake is an 829-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County one mile north of Maine, MN. Pickerel Lake is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed and there is an un-navigable, intermittent outlet located along the northeast shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 78 feet; however 33% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2020 survey was 11.3 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 11.0 to 16.8 feet.
The entire shoreline of the lake has been developed. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned concrete public access is located on the south shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand interspersed with areas of gravel and rubble. Emergent aquatic vegetation is very limited. A wide variety of submerged aquatic plants are found in the lake. All these aquatic plants are important to Pickerel Lake because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality.
Pickerel Lake is a popular angling lake. Species most sought after include Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. Data from recent lake surveys indicate that these species are abundant and have good size distributions as well.
Walleye abundance has remained stable at a high level over the recent series of surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 11.0 to 24.8 inches with an average length and weight of 15.5 inches and 1.4 pounds. Age data indicate that the 2018 year class is very strong and should provide good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.9 inches at four years of age.
Survey data indicate that an excellent Smallmouth Bass population exists. Smallmouth Bass are abundant and the size structure is very good. Age data indicate that reproduction is consistently good. Smallmouth Bass ranged in length from 7.6 to 18.5 inches with an average length and weight of 15.0 inches and 2.2 pounds. Smallmouth Bass attain an average length of 13.5 inches at four years of age.
The DNR has constructed and placed fifty Smallmouth Bass half-log spawning structures in Pickerel Lake. These spawning structures increased the amount of suitable spawning habitat available to Smallmouth Bass.
Only seven Bluegills were sampled in trap nets during the 2020 survey. Prior to this survey, the long-term trend had been an increase in Bluegill abundance. Age data from recent surveys indicate that Bluegill reproduction occurs inconsistently which can cause fluctuations in Bluegill abundance and size structure.
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.
Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake?

Are there any state parks near Pickerel Lake?