Quiet mornings on clear water are part of daily life in Perham lake country.
Lakes & Recreation
Perham sits in Otter Tail County lake country with year-round outdoor opportunities.
Lake Atmosphere
Public docks, boat launches, and shoreline access make it easy to get on the water.
Evening light and broad shorelines define summer nights across the region.
Featured Lakes
Big Pine Lake
4,730 acres · Max depth 76 ft
3 miles east of Perham
The largest lake bordering Perham, Big Pine is a premier walleye and bass destination with 4,730 acres of clear water. Three public access points provide easy entry for boating and fishing.
Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Burbot, Yellow Perch
Three public access points: two concrete launches off County Road 53 and Grand View Heights (west shore), plus a carry-in access on the north shore.
Walleye slot limit: 18-26 inch fish must be released. Connected to Little Pine Lake via the Otter Tail River.
More info →
Little Pine Lake
2,080 acres · Max depth 63 ft
2 miles north of Perham
Perham's backyard lake, just 2 miles north of town. Home to Paul Miller Park with swimming beach, dock, and boat ramp. One of the better walleye lakes in the area.
Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch
Paul Miller Park: swimming beach, dock, boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds, restrooms, and reservable covered shelter (May–October, 7am–10pm).
35% of surface area is less than 15 feet deep. Connected to Big Pine Lake via the Otter Tail River.
More info → Little Pine Lake Association →
Dead Lake
7,545 acres · Max depth 65 ft
Southwest of Perham
The second-largest lake in Otter Tail County at nearly 8,000 acres. Features undeveloped shoreline with numerous points and bays. Known for excellent panfishing and largemouth bass.
Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, Burbot
Multiple public access points.
83% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Undeveloped shoreline makes it popular for kayaking and canoeing.
More info → Dead Lake Association →Rush Lake
1,200 acres · Max depth 45 ft
Near Perham
A scenic lake in the Perham area offering fishing, boating, and quiet lakeside living.
Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Crappie
Public boat launch available.
Marion Lake
800 acres · Max depth 35 ft
Near Perham
A smaller, quieter lake near Perham popular with families and cabin owners.
Fish: Northern Pike, Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass
Public access available.
East Silent Lake
1,066 acres · Max depth 80 ft
East of Perham
A deep, clear lake east of Perham known for excellent water quality and fishing. Home to East Silent Lake Resort.
Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill
Public access available.
Fishing & Seasons
Fishing
Walleye, panfish, and bass waters attract anglers throughout open-water season.
Fall Color
Shoreline drives and trails become major draws during peak fall color weeks.
Winter Access
Ice fishing and groomed trail networks keep lakes active through the cold season.
Winter Views
Snowy shoreline scenery adds a different pace to lake-country recreation.
More Ways to Play
Golf and Disc Golf
Enjoy Perham's 27-hole golf course and dedicated disc golf options for all skill levels.
Trails, Parks, and Community Center
Bike trails, neighborhood parks, and the community center create recreation access in every season.
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