Fishing at Otter Tail, Minnesota
14,079-acre lake · Otter Tail County · 2 species stocked
Otter Tail sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, covering 14,079 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2024, with 4,846,887 Walleye 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 10 stocking events on record for Otter Tail:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,846,887 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,850,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,875,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,250,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,250,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 2,401 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 3,546 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,250,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 3,057 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,250,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Otter Tail, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Otter Tail
For walleye, the best fishing on Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail:
- Otter Tail Lake — 0.4 mi (14,010 ac)
- Walker Lake — 2.5 mi (572 ac)
- Walker — 2.6 mi (578 ac)
- Lake Ethel — 3.5 mi (188 ac)
- Ethel — 3.5 mi (191 ac)
- Lake Blanche — 3.7 mi (1,288 ac)
- Blanche — 3.7 mi (1,296 ac)
- Annie Battle — 5.1 mi (354 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Otter Tail. 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 Otter Tail?
Otter Tail has been stocked with Walleye, Lake Sturgeon.
When was Otter Tail last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 4,846,887 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Otter Tail?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.