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Minnesota›Best lakes›Walleye›Otter Tail County

MN · ranked by public data

Best Walleye Lakes by DNR Survey System and Lake-Scale Opportunity in Otter Tail County, Minnesota

42 Otter Tail County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for walleye; 42 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 439 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    186.0system score
    907 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Eagle Lake

    limited
    46.17, -95.69907 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    86.0 within-system score · 41,894.7 lake-scale opportunity index · 46.17 fish/net set · 2014 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 86.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 41,894.7 (46.17 fish/net set × 907 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 46.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2014
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 277.3system score
    4,728 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Big Pine Lake

    available
    46.61, -95.504,728 acres | 76 ft maxVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    77.3 within-system score · 86,668.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 18.33 fish/net set · 2017 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 77.3/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 86,668.3 (18.33 fish/net set × 4,728 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 18.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2017
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. 330.5system score
    2,080 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Little Pine Lake

    limited
    46.63, -95.562,080 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    30.5 within-system score · 17,675.9 lake-scale opportunity index · 8.5 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 30.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 17,675.9 (8.5 fish/net set × 2,080 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 8.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1979
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 423.5system score
    1,413 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Crystal Lake

    limited
    46.61, -95.951,413 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    23.5 within-system score · 8,166.8 lake-scale opportunity index · 5.78 fish/net set · 2014 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 23.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 8,166.8 (5.78 fish/net set × 1,413 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 5.78 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2014
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. 515.6system score
    992 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Big McDonald Lake

    available
    46.58, -95.77992 acres | 46 ft maxVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    15.6 within-system score · 7,368.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 7.43 fish/net set · 1986 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 15.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 7,368.3 (7.43 fish/net set × 992 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 7.43 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1986
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 69.5system score
    1,296 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Blanche Lake

    available
    46.36, -95.651,296 acres | 64 ft maxVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    9.5 within-system score · 4,172.9 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.22 fish/net set · 2015 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 9.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 4,172.9 (3.22 fish/net set × 1,296 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.22 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2015
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 3.3-8.8 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    195.5system score
    529 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    First Silver Lake

    limited
    46.31, -95.73529 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    95.5 within-system score · 5,939.4 lake-scale opportunity index · 11.22 fish/net set · 2016 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 95.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 5,939.4 (11.22 fish/net set × 529 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 11.22 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2016
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 31, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 31 normal range 1.3-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 237.3system score
    419 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Johnson Lake

    limited
    46.17, -95.86419 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    37.3 within-system score · 1,256.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 3 fish/net set · 2010 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 37.3/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,256.3 (3 fish/net set × 419 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2010
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 31, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 31 normal range 1.3-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. 320.4system score
    161 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Hoot Lake

    limited
    46.30, -96.03161 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    20.4 within-system score · 350.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 2.17 fish/net set · 2025 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 20.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 350.1 (2.17 fish/net set × 161 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 2.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2025
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 31, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 31 normal range 1.3-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 42.2system score
    166 acres

    Otter Tail County, MN

    Donalds Lake

    limited
    46.42, -95.55166 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    2.2 within-system score · 248.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.5 fish/net set · 2005 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 2.2/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 248.3 (1.5 fish/net set × 166 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2005
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 31, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 31 normal range 1.3-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearFishing reportDNR statusWalleye stocking
5Boedigheimer LakeOtter Tail1690.0index 225.31.33 fish/net set2005No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake JewettOtter Tail74796.7index 9,818.713.14 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Big McDonald LakeOtter Tail99283.5index 9,589.79.67 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
3Little McDonald LakeOtter Tail1,31664.9index 9,646.47.33 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
4Crystal LakeOtter Tail1,4132.2index 6,1184.33 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1First Silver LakeOtter Tail52990.0index 9,470.317.89 fish/net set2011No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hoot LakeOtter Tail16122.3index 914.75.67 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
3Annie Battle LakeOtter Tail3546.0index 747.82.11 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Clear LakeOtter Tail39998.7index 1,770.54.44 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
2Anna LakeOtter Tail59863.3index 1,597.22.67 fish/net set2004No · 0% signalNo record—
3East Lost LakeOtter Tail48310.0index 696.21.44 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Jolly Ann LakeOtter Tail326100.0index 2,012.86.17 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
2East Spirit LakeOtter Tail56118.5index 622.61.11 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
3Devils LakeOtter Tail3550.0index 355.31 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Clitherall LakeOtter Tail2,54090.0index 29,207.811.5 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
2East Battle LakeOtter Tail1,97810.0index 7,418.43.75 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Jolly Ann LakeOtter Tail326100.0index 923.22.83 fish/net set2011No · 0% signalNo record—
2Beers LakeOtter Tail3170.0index 540.17 fish/net set2007No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1East Battle LakeOtter Tail1,97890.0index 16,577.78.38 fish/net set1976No · 0% signalNo record—
2Clitherall LakeOtter Tail2,54010.0index 13,537.25.33 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake FranklinOtter Tail1,088100.0index 5,797.95.33 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
2East Spirit LakeOtter Tail5610.0index 2,120.23.78 fish/net set2007No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 34 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 5 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Block LakeOtter Tail290100.0index 2,144.57.4 fish/net set2001No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bear LakeOtter Tail1980.0index 65.20.33 fish/net set1978No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Johnson LakeOtter Tail41990.0index 6031.44 fish/net set2015No · 0% signalNo record—
2Donalds LakeOtter Tail16610.0index 137.40.83 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 42 standard gill nets normal 1 to 7 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake AdleyOtter Tail24190.0index 5,292.322 fish/net set1986No · 0% signalNo record—
2Fish LakeOtter Tail48910.0index 763.41.56 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 24 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—East Leaf LakeOtter Tail423——1.22 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Deer LakeOtter Tail447——3.56 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 33 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Anderson LakeOtter Tail89——2.5 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 34 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 5 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Ellingson LakeOtter Tail151——0.5 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 41 standard gill nets normal 3 2 to 15 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Dead LakeOtter Tail7,546——3.83 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 42 standard gill nets normal 1 to 7 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake AdleyOtter Tail241——6 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—East Silent LakeOtter Tail324——12.33 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 24 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—East Leaf LakeOtter Tail423——1.22 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Anna LakeOtter Tail598——9.44 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 33 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Heilberger LakeOtter Tail221——1 fish/net set2008No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 38 standard gill nets normal 0 8 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Buchanan LakeOtter Tail964——2.67 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 41 standard gill nets normal 3 2 to 15 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Dead LakeOtter Tail7,546——8.5 fish/net set1985No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 42 standard gill nets normal 1 to 7 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake AdleyOtter Tail241——2.5 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Clitherall LakeOtter Tail2,540——4.13 fish/net set2009No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake EthelOtter Tail191——1.17 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 24 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—East Leaf LakeOtter Tail423——3.5 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Pine LakeOtter Tail2,080——14.83 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 28 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—German LakeOtter Tail77——0.5 fish/net set1984No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fiske LakeOtter Tail254——0.17 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 33 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Heilberger LakeOtter Tail221——0.17 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 38 standard gill nets normal 0 8 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Buchanan LakeOtter Tail964——10 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 40 standard gill nets normal 2 3 to 17 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fish LakeOtter Tail1,078——11.17 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Bass LakeOtter Tail311————No · 0% signalNo record—
—Elbow LakeOtter Tail188————No · 0% signalNo record—

Methodology

How this list is built

County ranks use the same statewide exact-family contract; systems with at least two eligible county peers restart at #1. The score is 55% survey rate × acreage, 35% survey rate, and 10% recency. Catch-per-effort × acreage is only an opportunity index, never a literal fish count. Documented acreage plus verified public or shore access are eligibility gates. Unsupported methods stay documented but unranked. See the complete definitions on the statewide walleye ranking.

FAQ

Otter Tail County walleye fishing FAQ

Which walleye lakes receive a numeric county rank?

28 lakes receive at least one peer-backed, exact-lake numeric rank. Catch-per-effort systems separate species, phase, gear, unit, and sampled population; standardized adult-density estimates form their own system, so systems with at least two eligible county peers can each have a #1 in Otter Tail County.

How many Otter Tail County lakes have walleye?

42 Otter Tail County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence. Numeric rank still requires an exact comparable family plus the acreage and access gates.

Best walleye lakes statewideBest musky in Otter Tail CountyBest smallmouth bass in Otter Tail CountyBest panfish in Otter Tail CountyBest largemouth bass in Otter Tail CountyBest northern pike in Otter Tail CountyAll Otter Tail County lakes

Source data: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder fisheries surveys, lake classes, morphology, and public-access records. Rankings are LakeList's computed opinion from public agency data, not a DNR endorsement. Conditions and regulations change — verify access and rules before you go.