Otter Tail Lake is the crown jewel of Minnesota's renowned fishing destination, Ottertail County. Spanning over 13,700 acres with depths reaching 124 feet, this massive waterbody dominates a region boasting 1,048 lakes—more than any other U.S. county. Its clear waters (7-8 foot clarity) and unique underwater terrain—feeding flats, breaklines, and expansive weedbeds—create an angler's paradise where 90% of fishing effort targets trophy walleye populations. Prime seasons run from the May opener through early June, with late-season tactics like sucker bait outperforming standards.
Beyond walleye, the lake teems with aggressive northern pike, perch schools, and hard-fighting smallmouth bass. Over half the lake sits under 15 feet, enabling sight-fishing opportunities along main-lake flats like Big Flat and Many Points Flat. Wind patterns dictate walleye depth placement: shallow during windy days, deeper during calm periods. Effective techniques include jig-and-shiner combos pitched into weed edges, live-bait rig trolling with spottail shiners, and strategic navigation of sunken islands and reefs that pepper the basin.
Ottertail serves as the hub for accessing neighboring lakes like Long Lake and Walker Lake within minutes. Professional fishing charters leverage this aquatic playground, offering guided trips that adapt to seasonal patterns and species behavior. With well-maintained public accesses, fish-cleaning stations, and gear rentals available, it's a complete destination where anglers transition seamlessly from lake to table.
