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Dayton Hollow Reservoir

reservoirOtter Tail County, Minnesota · near Fergus Falls227 acres53 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Dayton Hollow Reservoir

Dayton Hollow Reservoir is a 227-acre reservoir near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.

Plan Your Visit to Dayton Hollow Reservoir

What to Know Before You Go
  • 227 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
  • Average water clarity around 6 feet
  • Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
Minnesota DNR

Conditions

Surface area
227 acres
Max depth
32 ft
Shoreline
6.6 mi
Water clarity
6 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
139 acres

Rules & Regulations

  • A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
  • Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
  • Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
21
Game fish
10
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2016
Special regulations
No
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchChannel CatfishRock BassBigmouth BuffaloBowfinBrown BullheadCommon CarpGolden RedhorseGreater RedhorseHybrid SunfishShorthead RedhorseSilver RedhorseWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dayton Hollow Reservoir?

Dayton Hollow Reservoir is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 227 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Dayton Hollow Reservoir?

Dayton Hollow Reservoir covers 227 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.

What fish can you catch at Dayton Hollow Reservoir?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Dayton Hollow Reservoir?

Yes. Dayton Hollow Reservoir has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Dayton Hollow Reservoir?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Dayton Hollow Reservoir. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.

Is Dayton Hollow Reservoir stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dayton Hollow Reservoir; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

Does Dayton Hollow Reservoir have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Dayton Hollow Reservoir as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.