Otter

Otter Lake is 97-acre mesotrophic lake located in northwest Otter Tail County. Otter Lake is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed. There are no inlets or outlets connected to the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood forest. The maximum depth of Otter Lake is 64 feet; however, 51% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2007 lake survey was 14.5 feet, which indicates good water clarity. The shoreline of Otter Lake is primarily undeveloped; only four houses are located along the shoreline of the lake. A private earthen access is located along the southeast shoreline of the lake. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of rubble and gravel. Emergent aquatic macrophytes such as hardstem bulrush or common cattail are rare. Otter Lake is a private lake that does not receive much angling pressure. The bluegill population especially exhibits characteristics of an unexploited population. The test-net catch rate for bluegills indicates that they are very abundant. Age data indicate that bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegill size structure is excellent with 62% of the sample measuring at least 7.0 inches in length. Growth is moderate; bluegills attain an average length of 7.3 inches at eight years of age. Test-net catch rates indicate that black crappie are also abundant. Age data indicate that black crappie reproduction is sporadic. The 2003 and 2004 year classes composed the majority of the black crappie sample. Ten percent of the black crappie sample was at least 10.0 inches in length. Growth is moderate; black crappies attain an average length of 9.0 inches at four years of age. Test-net catch data indicate that a low-density northern pike population exists. Age data indicate that reproduction levels are consistently low. Northern pike ranged in length from 17.3 to 35.4 inches with a mean length and weight of 23.0 inches and 3.1 pounds. Northern pike growth is fast with a mean length of 23.3 inches at four years of age.

Otter Lake has a history of being an excellent bass-panfish lake. The bluegill population is very abundant; however, the average size is small. Seventeen largemouth bass were sampled but they also had a small average size.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Pumpkinseed in Otter. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Otter. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Otter has a maximum depth of 64 feet and a mean depth of 14 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Otter is from 2007. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Otter in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.