Fishing at Tamarac, Minnesota
445-acre lake · Otter Tail County · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Tamarac is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Otter Tail County. At 445 acres, it offers small lake fishing across diverse habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 6 stocking events on record for Tamarac:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 300 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 150 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 20 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 252 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 3 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 392,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Bluegill Sunfish in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Tamarac, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Tamarac
For bluegill sunfish, the best fishing on Tamarac 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 Tamarac:
- Sand — 2.1 mi (152 ac)
- Lizzie (north portion) — 3.6 mi (1,913 ac)
- Pelican — 3.7 mi (3,962 ac)
- Helgeson Lake — 4.0 mi (113 ac)
- Prairie — 4.5 mi (1,004 ac)
- Ida — 4.5 mi (632 ac)
- Lake Franklin — 5.2 mi (1,083 ac)
- Franklin — 5.3 mi (1,088 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Tamarac. 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 Tamarac?
Tamarac has been stocked with Bluegill Sunfish, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Tamarac last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 300 bluegill sunfish were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Tamarac?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.