Orwell Lake

How big is Orwell Lake?

How deep is Orwell Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Orwell Lake?

What are the closest cities to Orwell Lake?

Are there boat launches on Orwell Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Orwell Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Orwell Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Orwell Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Orwell Lake?

Orwell Reservoir is a United States Army Corps of Engineers flood control impoundment. It is located approximately eight miles southwest of Fergus Falls, MN in Otter Tail County. Construction of the dam on the Otter Tail River was completed in 1952, and the reservoir encompasses 782-acres at normal pool. Because the main purpose of the reservoir is flood control, water levels are seasonally fluctuated to maximize storage during periods of high water. This fluctuation has several negative impacts on the reservoir and the resident fish community. Riparian vegetation has not been able to establish due to periodic inundation. This has resulted in severe shoreline erosion. Eroded material is suspended in the water, increasing turbidity. The increased turbidity, as well as fluctuating water levels, have prevented the establishment of submerged vegetation important to many fish species. Fluctuating water levels can also negatively impact the spawning success of some fish species. Changes to the reservoir operating plan in 1986, which required more stable water level management, has improved fishery conditions, but the fishery will not reach full potential as long as flood control is the primary function of the reservoir.
The entire shoreline of Orwell Reservoir is owned by the state of Minnesota. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land. The Corps of Engineers maintains a public water access on the north shoreline off of County Road 114. There is a 10-horsepower restriction for outboard motors on the reservoir.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Channel Catfish populations.
Walleye abundance is the highest recorded for this reservoir. The 2022 year class is strong and should provide consistently good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes ranged in length from 4.3 to 25.2 inches with an average length and weight of 12.2 inches and 0.8 pounds. Walleye growth is very fast with an average length of 16.8 inches at three years of age.
Channel Catfish are also very abundant. Channel Catfish ranged in length from 5.9 to 30.1 inches with an average length and weight of 19.6 inches and 3.6 pounds. Thirty-eight percent of the Channel Catfish were 24.0 inches or greater in length.
A catch-and-release only regulation for Smallmouth Bass was implemented in 1997. The regulation extends throughout the Otter Tail River system from the Friberg Dam, north of Fergus Falls, downstream to the Wilkin County Road 19 Bridge, and includes all impoundments within that stretch.
Anglers can also maintain or improve the quality of fishing for all species of fish in Orwell Reservoir by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the 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 opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
Orwell Reservoir was designated as infested with zebra mussels in 2013. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

What is the average air temp for Orwell Lake?

Are there any state parks near Orwell Lake?