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
Prairie Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
41°F water, calm this morning.
About Prairie Lake
In Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Prairie Lake covers about 880 acres.
From end to end it runs about 1.8 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 6 miles. At about 1,310 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Pelican Rapids, is about 1.2 miles south. The closest city is Fargo, about 38 miles away.
- Size
- About 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6 miles
- End to end
- About 1.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,310 ft
- County
- Otter Tail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 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. With the surface at 41°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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 7:24 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Prairie Lake
- Pelican Rapidsabout 1.2 mi south
- Barnesvilleabout 16 mi west
- Detroit Lakesabout 17 mi northeast
- Frazeeabout 19 mi northeast
- Fargonearest city, about 38 mi northwest
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Questions about Prairie Lake
What fish are in Prairie Lake?
Lakes like Prairie 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 Prairie 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 Prairie Lake?
About 880 acres, with about 6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Prairie Lake?
Pelican Rapids is about 1.2 miles south; Barnesville is about 16 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Prairie Lake today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Prairie Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.