Paul Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

56033500

County

Otter Tail

Surface area

346 acres

Maximum depth

81 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

109 acres, 31% of the lake

Shoreline

3.1 miles

Average water clarity

16.7 feet (Secchi disk, 3 readings)

Nearest town (DNR)

Perham

Latest DNR fish survey

August 2020, targeted survey

Surveys on record

6, since 1982

Game fish caught in the 2020 survey

northern pike 56, walleye 50, bluegill 38, largemouth bass 12, black crappie 7, pumpkinseed 6, yellow perch 3, smallmouth bass 2

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and 5 other species

Stocked in 2024

walleye fingerlings (2,560)

Stocked in 2022

walleye fingerlings (4,615)

Stocked in 2020

walleye yearlings (1,386)

Stocking years on record

5 of the last 10 (2016 to 2024)

Paul Lake Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Infested waters list

zebra mussel

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have not been tested

Size

100 to 499 acres

Deepest point

60 feet or more

Public access

Yes

Stocked in the last 3 years

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.