Blanche Lake is a 1,228-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately four miles northeast of the city of Battle Lake, MN. It has a maximum depth of 64 feet and 82% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Shoreline substrates consist primarily of sand. The secchi disk reading, a measure of water clarity, was 6.5 feet in 2005. Readings from previous surveys ranged from 6.5 to 9.0 feet. An inlet from Annie Battle Lake is located on the southwest shoreline and an outlet to Otter Tail Lake is located on the north shoreline. A DNR public water access is located on the north side of the lake. Moderate development exists around the lake, primarily along the northwest, north, and northeast shorelines. Four resorts and 133 homes/cabins were located along the shoreline during the 2000 lake survey. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush and common cattail) is located in various areas throughout the lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines from erosion and can even absorb and breakdown pollutants from the water. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also are important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. Blanche Lake contains decent populations of all game fish. Northern pike population characteristics have demonstrated stability over the past four surveys. Northern pike abundance has remained at a moderate density and reproduction appears to be consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 9.8 to 27.3 inches with an average length and weight of 16.5 inches and 1.1 pounds. The bluegill population has remained fairly stable over the past three surveys. A good number of fish present are seven inches or greater in length (39%) and reproduction appears to be consistently good. Populations of black crappie and largemouth bass are also good in Blanche Lake, primarily due to adequate spawning habitat that exists for these species to maintain good numbers on their own. Walleye abundance has remained at a moderate density in recent surveys. Eight year classes were represented in the walleye sample. Walleye ranged in length from 11.5 to 29.0 inches with an average length and weight of 15.1 inches and 1.3 pounds. To supplement the walleye population produced by natural reproduction, the DNR stocks walleye fry on a biennial basis. Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.