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
Fishing
Walleye, bass, northern pike, panfish — pick a lake, any lake
Kayaking & Canoeing
Quiet bays, river systems, and interconnected lake chains
Boating
Pontoon rentals, speedboats, and pontoon cruises
Swimming
Sandy beaches and clean, clear water everywhere
Ice Fishing
Winter brings some of the best ice fishing in Minnesota
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 acresThe county's namesake and largest lake — a premier walleye destination with over 13,500 acres of crystal-clear water.
Dead Lake
7,545 acresDon't let the name fool you — Dead Lake is very much alive with walleye, pike, and stunning shoreline.
West Battle Lake
5,614 acresA favorite for families and anglers alike, surrounded by the charming village of Battle Lake.
North Lida Lake
5,522 acresA 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.
Rush Lake
5,275 acresA well-rounded lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and pontoon cruises.
Big Pine Lake
4,728 acresOne of several Pine Lakes in OTC — Big Pine delivers reliable walleye action and family-friendly shores.
Star Lake
4,485 acresA clear-water gem popular with bass anglers and cabin owners seeking a quieter retreat.
Pelican Lake
3,961 acresKnown for excellent walleye fishing and stunning sunsets over nearly 4,000 acres.
Clitherall Lake
2,539 acresNamed after the small community on its shore, Clitherall Lake is a local favorite for summer afternoons.
Little Pine Lake
2,079 acresLocated 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.
East Battle Lake
1,978 acresNestled 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.
Lizzie (north portion) Lake
1,913 acresPart 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.
North Turtle Lake
1,773 acresSurrounded 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.
Marion Lake
1,623 acresA 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.
Ten Mile Lake
1,427 acresA 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.
Crystal Lake
1,412 acresTrue 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.
Stalker Lake
1,356 acresTucked 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.
Little McDonald Lake
1,316 acresA 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.
Blanche Lake
1,295 acresLocated 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.
Rose Lake
1,200 acresA 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.
More Notable Lakes
Other major lakes in the county well worth exploring.
Franklin Lake
Fish Lake
East Loon Lake
Prairie Lake
Big McDonald Lake
Buchanan Lake
Eagle Lake
South Turtle Lake
Pickerel Lake
West Lost Lake
South Lida Lake
Long Lake (Henning)
Swan Lake
Jewett Lake
Stuart Lake
Spitzer Lake
Wall Lake
West Leaf Lake
East Silent Lake
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.