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1,048 Lakes

More lakes than any other county in America. From 13,500-acre Otter Tail Lake to hidden gems only locals know. Find yours.

On the Water

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Fishing

Walleye, bass, northern pike, panfish — pick a lake, any lake

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Kayaking & Canoeing

Quiet bays, river systems, and interconnected lake chains

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Boating

Pontoon rentals, speedboats, and pontoon cruises

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Swimming

Sandy beaches and clean, clear water everywhere

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Ice Fishing

Winter brings some of the best ice fishing in Minnesota

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Wildlife

Eagles, loons, herons, deer — the lakes are alive

Top 20 Largest Lakes

The most prominent destinations for fishing, boating, and recreation in Otter Tail County.

Otter Tail Lake

14,078 acres

The county's namesake and largest lake — a premier walleye destination with over 13,500 acres of crystal-clear water.

📍 Ottertail

Dead Lake

7,545 acres

Don't let the name fool you — Dead Lake is very much alive with walleye, pike, and stunning shoreline.

📍 Dent

West Battle Lake

5,614 acres

A favorite for families and anglers alike, surrounded by the charming village of Battle Lake.

📍 Battle Lake

North Lida Lake

5,522 acres

A vast, deep-water destination near Pelican Rapids known for its impressive clarity and diverse fishery. Anglers and boaters alike enjoy exploring its nearly 5,500 acres of scenic shoreline.

📍 Pelican Rapids

Rush Lake

5,275 acres

A well-rounded lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and pontoon cruises.

📍 Ottertail

Big Pine Lake

4,728 acres

One of several Pine Lakes in OTC — Big Pine delivers reliable walleye action and family-friendly shores.

📍 Perham

Star Lake

4,485 acres

A clear-water gem popular with bass anglers and cabin owners seeking a quieter retreat.

📍 Dent

Pelican Lake

3,961 acres

Known for excellent walleye fishing and stunning sunsets over nearly 4,000 acres.

📍 Pelican Rapids

Clitherall Lake

2,539 acres

Named after the small community on its shore, Clitherall Lake is a local favorite for summer afternoons.

📍 Clitherall

Little Pine Lake

2,079 acres

Located just outside Perham, this popular lake offers excellent walleye fishing and a vibrant summer community. Its clear waters make it a favorite for both serious anglers and recreational boaters.

📍 Perham

East Battle Lake

1,978 acres

Nestled near Henning, this sprawling lake is characterized by its steep drop-offs and excellent water quality. It's a highly regarded fishery with strong populations of walleye and panfish.

📍 Henning

Lizzie (north portion) Lake

1,913 acres

Part of the picturesque Pelican River chain, Lake Lizzie offers pristine water and classic up-north scenery. It remains a top choice for those seeking a mix of excellent fishing and tranquil pontoon cruises.

📍 Pelican Rapids

North Turtle Lake

1,773 acres

Surrounded by rolling hills near Underwood, this large, structure-rich lake is a haven for both anglers and wildlife. Its diverse depths and bays provide fantastic opportunities for catching a variety of game fish.

📍 Underwood

Marion Lake

1,623 acres

A hidden gem near Richville, featuring clear, island-dotted waters and quiet bays. It's renowned for a peaceful atmosphere and a reliable multi-species fishery.

📍 Richville

Ten Mile Lake

1,427 acres

A long, deep lake near Dalton noted for its exceptional clarity and scenic, undeveloped stretches. It's a peaceful retreat perfect for kayaking, swimming, and chasing trophy fish.

📍 Dalton

Crystal Lake

1,412 acres

True to its name, this Pelican Rapids-area lake boasts outstanding water clarity and sandy shorelines. It is a highly sought-after destination for summer cabins and family recreation.

📍 Pelican Rapids

Stalker Lake

1,356 acres

Tucked away near Underwood, Stalker Lake is framed by beautiful wooded shorelines and calm bays. The lake is well-known for its excellent water quality and solid walleye action.

📍 Underwood

Little McDonald Lake

1,316 acres

A deep, clear-water lake near Perham that consistently draws visitors for its family-friendly shores and reliable fishing. Its mix of sandy beaches and great structure makes it a local favorite.

📍 Perham

Blanche Lake

1,295 acres

Located in the Ottertail area, this scenic lake offers deep, cool waters and fantastic recreational opportunities. It remains a premier spot for summer boating and chasing walleye.

📍 Ottertail

Rose Lake

1,200 acres

A beautiful, sprawling lake near Vergas known for its islands and winding shorelines. The lake's structure provides exceptional habitat, making it a top-tier destination for anglers.

📍 Vergas

More Notable Lakes

Other major lakes in the county well worth exploring.

Don't see your lake? We're adding more every week. Let us know.

Fishing & Lake Recreation in Otter Tail County

Otter Tail County, Minnesota is home to 1,048 lakes — the most of any county in the United States. The county covers 2,225 square miles, with over 11% of its surface area being water (157,000+ acres). Whether you're after trophy walleye on Otter Tail Lake, smallmouth bass on Star Lake, or a quiet paddle on East Silent, there's a lake for every type of adventure.

The most popular species include walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, perch, and various panfish. The Minnesota DNR regularly stocks many OTC lakes, and detailed lake surveys are available for serious anglers planning their trips.

Beyond fishing, the lakes support boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, pontoon cruises, waterskiing, and in winter, some of the best ice fishing in the upper Midwest. Many lakes have public boat launches maintained by the county and DNR.