Fishing at Hoffman, Minnesota
157-acre lake · Otter Tail County · 4 species stocked
Hoffman sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, covering 157 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2023, with 200 Black Crappie averaging 0.0 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 0, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 7 stocking events on record for Hoffman:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 12 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 625 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 10 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 150 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 20 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Hoffman, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Hoffman
For black crappie, the best fishing on Hoffman is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Hoffman:
- West McDonald Lake — 0.6 mi (578 ac)
- West McDonald — 0.6 mi (597 ac)
- Big McDonald Lake — 2.3 mi (551 ac)
- McDonald — 2.4 mi (561 ac)
- Sybil Lake — 2.7 mi (660 ac)
- Sybil — 2.7 mi (683 ac)
- Berger Lake — 2.9 mi (313 ac)
- East Loon — 3.2 mi (1,044 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Hoffman. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Hoffman?
Hoffman has been stocked with Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Hoffman last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 200 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Hoffman?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.