Dead Lake is located in north central Otter Tail County, MN about 5 miles south of Dent as the crow flies. Dead Lake is just under 8,000 acres making it the 2nd largest lake in Otter Tail County. Maximum depth is 65 feet. One of the neatest things about Dead Lake is how undeveloped the shoreline is. Numerous points and bays give it that true “up north” feel and allow you to find fishable water on the windiest of days. According to the MN DNR, 83% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. If you go, be careful, cuz there are some shallow rock piles. There are large stands of hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice prevalent throughout the lake. Three public access can be found on Dead Lake. One on the south east side of the lake right off County Rd. 14, the other is on the south west side and the 3rd is on the north side of Co. Rd. 35. The Dead River flows out of Dead Lake to Walker Lake and eventually into Otter Tail Lake. Dead has some great panfishing opportunities, as well as big bass, nice pike and walleyes.
