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?

What are the closest cities to Otter Tail River?

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?

There are specific fishing regulations Otter Tail River 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 Otter Tail River?

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. Historical secchi disk readings have ranged from 7.4 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.
A reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (10 per day) was implemented in 2021. The objective of the regulation is to maintain the quality of the Bluegill size structure. A special spring trapnetting survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the Bluegill population, which will be used for regulation evaluation purposes in future surveys. The Bluegill population is abundant and has a quality size structure. Seventy-two percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 35% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.6 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can also 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.
Red River Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2017. 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 Otter Tail River?

Are there any state parks near Otter Tail River?