Fishing Otter Tail Lake

AKA: Ottertail Lake, Otter Tail County Lake

Popular Fish Species
Otter Tail Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Local Fishing Guides
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Otter Tail Lake, MN

Popular Fish Species Otter Tail Lake, MN

Otter Tail County Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Walleye continue to thrive in Otter Tail Lake this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water on flats. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Otter Tail County Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Otter Tail Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Otter Tail County Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Otter Tail Lake is a good smallmouth bass fishing lake. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota.

Otter Tail Lake Fishing Video

Sometimes an ice-fishing mecca, other times a great vacation lake in summer, and always a great fishing destination, Otter Tail Lake is a 13,700-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, at Otter Tail.

Nestled in the heart of Otter Tail County, Otter Tail Lake is a gem among Minnesota's fishing destinations. This picturesque lake spans over 13,000 acres and offers anglers a wealth of fishing opportunities and abundant fish species.

Walleye fishing is a major attraction on Otter Tail Lake. Known for its healthy walleye population, the lake provides anglers with a chance to reel in some impressive catches. Whether you prefer trolling with crankbaits or jigging with live bait, Otter Tail Lake offers plenty of hotspots to target walleye. Early morning and evening hours are often prime times to find these elusive fish actively feeding.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in Otter Tail Lake, delighting bass anglers of all skill levels. The lake's varied structure, including weed beds, rocky shorelines, and submerged structures, provides ideal habitats for bass. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, or crankbaits. Whether you're after the aggression of largemouth or the acrobatics of smallmouth, Otter Tail Lake offers an exciting bass fishing experience.

Yellow perch are abundant in Otter Tail Lake and provide both recreational and culinary opportunities. Anglers can find schools of perch near weed edges, drop-offs, and other areas with structure. Small jigs or live bait presentations are effective in enticing these schooling fish. Catching a stringer of yellow perch is a fun and rewarding experience for anglers of all ages.

Bluegill and black crappie are popular panfish species in Otter Tail Lake, attracting anglers with their abundance and cooperative nature. Anglers can target these fish near weed beds, submerged vegetation, or around sunken structures. Light tackle and small jigs or live bait are the keys to success when targeting bluegill and crappie. Otter Tail Lake's panfish population provides ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy a day of action-packed angling.

With its diverse fish species, excellent fishing opportunities, and picturesque surroundings, Otter Tail Lake stands as a top-tier destination for anglers in Minnesota. Whether you're after walleye, bass, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Otter Tail Lake provides a memorable fishing experience in a serene and natural setting.

Boating, water skiing, boat parties and fishing draw visitors to this scenic getaway with over 20 miles of shoreline. Bass, walleye, crappie, perch and pike populate the lake, and all are caught with regularity in season, or through the ice in winter. Three boating access areas are located around the lake. On the north shore is the Riviera North Public Water Access off Pub Access Road. On the southeast corner of the lake is the Public Boat Landing Ottertail, off Bay View Road. Riverside West Public Water Access is located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Ottertail Road.

Primary fish species residing in Otter Tail Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Otter Tail Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Otter Tail Lake, with several public access points available for launching boats. The expansive waters of the lake are perfect for leisurely cruises and exploring the scenic shorelines. Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Barky's Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 405-0136

Big Fish
Rentals: Kayaks
218 862-7900

Lakes Area Paddle Sports
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
218 382-4787

Otter Tail Beach Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 864-5860

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Pelican Bay Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Otter Tail Scenic Byway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riviera North Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Public Access Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riverside West Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Ottertail Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.