The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Franklin
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 960 acres (1.5 sq mi)
41°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Franklin
In Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Lake Franklin covers about 960 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.6 miles with roughly 10.6 miles of shoreline. At about 1,320 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Pelican Rapids lies about 6.4 miles to the southwest. The closest city is Fargo, about 41 miles away.
- Size
- About 960 acres (1.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,320 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 6 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
Expect the usual Minnesota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 41°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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 7:23 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Franklin
- Pelican Rapidsabout 6.4 mi southwest
- Detroit Lakesabout 12 mi northeast
- Frazeeabout 13 mi northeast
- Perhamabout 19 mi east
- Fargonearest city, about 41 mi west
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Questions about Lake Franklin
What fish are in Lake Franklin?
Lakes like Lake Franklin 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 Lake Franklin?
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 Lake Franklin?
About 960 acres, with about 10.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Franklin?
Pelican Rapids is about 6.4 miles southwest; Detroit Lakes is about 12 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Lake Franklin today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Franklin on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
