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We want to see what you've caught on Otter Tail River.Frequently Asked Questions About Otter Tail River, MN
- How big is Otter Tail River?
- How deep is Otter Tail River?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Otter Tail River?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Otter Tail River?
- What are the closest cities to Otter Tail River?
- Are there places to stay in the Otter Tail River area?
- Are there boat launches on Otter Tail River?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Otter Tail River?
- What are the fishing regulations for Otter Tail River?
- What is the average air temp for Otter Tail River?
- Are there any state parks near Otter Tail River?
How big is Otter Tail River?
How deep is Otter Tail River?
What kind of fish can you catch in Otter Tail River?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Golden Shiner, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Otter Tail River?
What are the closest cities to Otter Tail River?
Are there places to stay in the Otter Tail River area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Otter Tail River?
Are there places to eat and drink near Otter Tail River?
What are the fishing regulations for Otter Tail River?
Explore the Otter Tail River area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Otter Tail River?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Red River Lake is a 305-acre impoundment of the Otter Tail River located in west-central Otter Tail County approximately seven miles north of Fergus Falls, MN. An active hydroelectric dam owned by Otter Tail Power Company is located along the west shoreline. The Otter Tail River flows into the lake along the east shoreline and is navigable upstream to West Lost Lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth of Red River Lake is 55 feet; however, 45% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2015 lake survey was 7.4 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 9.6 to 12.5 feet.
The majority of the shoreline of Red River Lake is undeveloped. A DNR owned public water access is located off of County Road 3 along the north shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent aquatic macrophytes such as hardstem bulrush and common cattail are rare; however, wild rice is very abundant around the entire shoreline of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as wild rice provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Red River Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community of Red River Lake.
The Northern Pike population is abundant. Age data from recent surveys indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Upstream marshy areas provide an abundance of suitable spawning habitat for Northern Pike. Pike ranged in length from 12.5 to 27.2 inches with an average length and weight of 19.4 inches and 1.6 pounds. Northern pike attain an average length of 20.7 inches at four years of age.
Bluegill abundance and size structure tends to fluctuate depending upon year class strength. Age data from recent surveys indicate that Bluegill reproduction is inconsistent and that one year class generally dominates the fishery. Fifty-six percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.3 inches at age-IV.
Data collected from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that Red River Lake has a balanced Largemouth Bass population. Age data indicate that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 6.5 to 19.8 inches with an average length and weight of 13.6 inches and 1.6 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 14.7 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for Otter Tail River?
Are there any state parks near Otter Tail River?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Otter Tail River...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Rice Lake | 2.3 mi | 350 | 8 ft |
Loon Lake | 2.6 mi | 1,048 | 105 ft |
L. Heilberger Lake | 3.1 mi | 28 | 21 ft |
Lake Jewett | 3.3 mi | 731 | 75 ft |
Fish Lake | 3.5 mi | 1,078 | 19 ft |
Heilberger Lake | 3.6 mi | 221 | 47 ft |
Long Lake | 3.7 mi | 91 | 29 ft |
Tonseth Lake | 4.2 mi | 149 | 27 ft |
High Island Lake | 4.3 mi | 59 | 19 ft |
Long Lake | 4.3 mi | 767 | 73 ft |