Swan Lake

How big is Swan Lake?

How deep is Swan Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Swan Lake?

What are the closest cities to Swan Lake?

Are there boat launches on Swan Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Swan Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Swan Lake?

Swan Lake is a 689-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in southwestern Otter Tail County approximately three miles southeast of Fergus Falls, MN. Swan Lake is part of the Pomme de Terre River Watershed. The Pomme de Terre River outlet is located along the south shoreline of the lake and is unnavigable. The immediate watershed of Swan Lake is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Swan Lake is 44 feet; however, 54% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2022 survey was 8.1 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.5 to 17.2 feet.
A majority of the shoreline of Swan Lake has been developed. The development consists primarily of homes and cottages. A resort/campground is located along the southeast shoreline. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located along the east shoreline of the lake. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand, gravel, and rubble. Hardstem bulrush and common cattail are prevalent along the shoreline of the southern portion of Swan Lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and cattail 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 an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Because of its proximity to Fergus Falls, Swan Lake is a popular angling lake. Swan Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in Swan Lake.
Northern Pike abundance has remained high, but the size structure has improved in recent surveys. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 18.3 to 27.6 inches with an average length and weight of 22.1 inches and 2.3 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 25.5 inches at five years of age.
Data from a spring electrofishing survey indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Age data indicate that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 2.9 inches to 19.5 inches with an average length and weight of 14.3 inches and 1.8 pounds. Largemouth Bass attain an average length of 13.1 inches at four years of age.
Data from a spring trapnetting survey indicate that the Black Crappie population is abundant and that the size structure is good. Black Crappies ranged in length from 4.9 to 13.7 inches. Thirty-five percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 10.6 inches at five years of age.
Bluegill abundance and size structure tend to fluctuate due to inconsistent reproduction. Only one percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.7 inches at seven years of age.
Walleye abundance has historically remained at a moderate level. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.0 to 25.8 inches with an average length and weight of 17.2 inches and 2.0 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 16.8 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 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.
Swan Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2019. 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.

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Are there any state parks near Swan Lake?