The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Dead Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 7,110 acres (11.1 sq mi)
42°F water, calm this morning.
About Dead Lake
In Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Dead Lake covers about 7,110 acres.
It stretches about 8.4 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 34 miles. At about 1,330 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Perham, is about 9 miles northeast. The closest city is Fargo, about 54 miles away.
- Size
- About 7,110 acres (11.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 34 miles
- End to end
- About 8.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,330 ft
- County
- Otter Tail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 42°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:22 am · sunset 4:51 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Dead Lake
- Perhamabout 9 mi northeast
- Pelican Rapidsabout 14 mi west
- New York Millsabout 14 mi east
- Frazeeabout 15 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 54 mi northwest
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Questions about Dead Lake
What fish are in Dead Lake?
Lakes like Dead Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Dead Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Dead Lake?
About 7,110 acres, with about 34 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Dead Lake?
Perham is about 9 miles northeast; Pelican Rapids is about 14 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Dead Lake today?
The surface was about 42°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Dead Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
