Otter Lake

View of Otter Lake, the 174 acre lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Otter Lake is a compact, protected pocket on the Eagle River Chain, located just off Eagle Lake and only minutes from downtown Eagle River.

Its smaller size and sheltered position give it a calmer, back-bay feel compared to the chain’s larger open basins, while still providing full boating access to restaurants, marinas, and miles of connected water. Shoreline development is fairly dense, but the wooded setting and protected scale make it feel cozy rather than chaotic. For buyers who want chain convenience with a slightly quieter home shoreline, Otter consistently shows up as an appealing option.

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Otter Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 12 Feet
Size: 174 Acres
Max Depth: 30 Feet
Shoreline: 3.96 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Tanned
Trophic State: Eutrophic
Time to Town: 9 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 1.79
Owners Per Mile: 24.49
Chain:Eagle River

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
Get notified of new listings on Otter Lake

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: High
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Good
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Great
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Lincoln
School District: Northland Pines
Tax Rate: $5.35 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Otter Lake contour map
Snowmobile Trails:
The Sno-Eagles Trails run just north of the lake. The Trail system consists of over 100 miles of groomed trails that connect to everywhere you could think of going on a sled in Northern WI or Michigan. Trails are kept in great condition and are a major calling card of the area.
ATV Trails:
The Landover ATV Club Trails run along the north side of the lake. It is a vast network of ATV trails that connect Eagle River to Upper Michigan. There are a variety of riding options ranging from paved roads to trails through the national forests. By far the largest ATV trail network in Vilas County.
Eagle River:
5 mins
Grocery Store
hospital

This is a summary based on available information.

As part of the chain, Otter shares its general fish community: walleyes, panfish, bass, northern pike, and muskies move through, using weedlines, channels, and small structural features as they travel. The more enclosed basin and shoreline cover make it a good spot for panfish and largemouth bass, with docks and weed edges providing shade and ambush points. Walleyes and pike often key on slightly deeper cuts and channel edges where water moves between Otter and neighboring lakes, especially in low‑light periods. For cabin owners, Otter can fish like a high‑percentage “home bay,” offering consistent action close to the pier, with the option to roam the rest of the chain when they want a change of pace.

I had AI give me the coordinates for the launches I had on file. They are not super accurate, but should give a rough idea of where you can find the landings. If no coordinates were available at all I didn't link to the map.

Otter Lake public landing
Public access on Otter Lake near Eagle River, with a standard ramp and modest parking primarily serving cabin owners and anglers.

How big is Otter Lake?

Otter Lake is 174 acres with 3.96 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has an average depth of 12 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Does Otter Lake have a boat launch?

No, Otter Lake does not have a public boat launch.

How far is Otter Lake from Eagle River?

Otter Lake is 9 minutes from Eagle River, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Otter Lake?

Otter Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Otter Lake?

Otter Lake has a water clarity of 7.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Otter Lake?

The shoreline of Otter Lake is about 3.96 miles.

What type of lake is Otter Lake?

Otter Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Otter Lake?

Otter Lake is a Eutrophic lake.

Is Otter Lake on a chain of lakes?

Yes, Otter Lake is on the Eagle River chain of lakes.

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