Resort Activities
About Dead Lake and Fishing
Dead Lake spans over 7,900 acres with depths over 60 feet. More than 80 percent of the lake has a depth of 15 feet or less. It offers over 36 miles of lakeshore and varied structure. Dead Lake enjoys a reputation for excellent fishing for walleye, large-mouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources within its Lake Report states that “Dead Lake has a reputation as one of the best all-around fishing lakes in Otter Tail County.” It is known as one of the best lakes for fall fishing in the area, and offers duck hunting opportunities as well.
For more details about Dead lake, visit the DNR’s Lakefinder to view the full Lake Information Report.
Dead Lake offers an abundance of activities on the water to enjoy, such as catching your next trophy fish, recreational boating, or just floating in the bright sunshine.
The Sunset Bay office sells boat gas and oil. Paddleboats, Stand Up Paddleboards, a canoe, life jackets and a fish cleaning facility are all available at no charge to guests. Dock space, boats, motors and pontoons may be rented as demand permits—equipment should be reserved in advance to ensure availability*. Rates for non-guests available upon request.
NEW in 2021!
Starcraft 20 foot “Cruise and Fish” pontoon with 40 HP motor, live well, rod holder, depth finder and seating for 9!
NEW in 2022!
Three new 15 HP Mercury motors available to rent with our 14 foot aluminum fishing boats. This gives us a total of 4-15 HP motors available for rent.
New 40 HP motor on our Gull (red canopy) pontoon.
Pontoon Deposits: $25/day or $100/week is required. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations: You are responsible for the entire amount of the pontoon reservation if you cancel less than 90 days before the start of your reservation. However, if we are able to re-rent the pontoon you will be responsible only for the difference in rental income (if any) between any new rental and your rental.
- For equipment not requiring a deposit: you will be charged for the full amount of reserved equipment as stated on your reservation unless cancelled at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival date. Equipment not reserved at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival, may incur an additional installation and/or set up fee.
- Gas and oil used is additional.
- The above reflects preferred pricing for guests staying with us at Sunset Bay Resort. Customers not staying with us at the resort, please call 218-758-2080 for pricing, availability and rental terms. Rental boats/motors are to remain on Dead Lake at all times.
- All equipment rentals are based on availability. Sunset Bay Resort is not responsible for changes in weather, inclement weather, or other circumstances beyond our control that impact your ability to utilize rented equipment for any portion of your stay.
Swimming/Water Toys
Outdoor Games
Sunset Bay is situated on 15 wooded acres to explore and enjoy, which are adjacent to 550 feet of clean sandy shoreline. We have a beachside playground, badminton, basketball hoops, volleyball nets both for land and in the water, horseshoe pits, Frisbees, soccer balls, croquet and bocce ball. All equipment is available in the Game Room and is free of charge.
Game Room/Guest Lounge
We renovated/expanded our game room in 2021 to include a new roof and a new guest lounge! The lounge area includes comfortable seating to read, catch up on work and email, or just relax! It is still located next to the Fish Cleaning House, across from the Restroom and Shower Facilities, but has been expanded to include the space that was formerly the old shop. We have also purchased new ping pong, air hockey and gaming tables. In addition, foosball, board and yard games are all waiting for you! Board games, cards and puzzles are available to either play in the Game Room or to take back to your cabin. All game room activities are available for guest use at no additional cost!
