Otter Tail River Reservoir
About Otter Tail River Reservoir
Otter Tail River Reservoir is a 313-acre river lake near Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
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 Otter Tail River Reservoir
- 313 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Fergus Falls
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10 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
- 313 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 138 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)
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Otter Tail River Reservoir
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Nearby Lakes
Jewett Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Elizabeth747 acres
3.2 miles away
Fish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls1,078 acres
3.5 miles away
Heilberger Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard221 acres
3.6 miles away
Tonseth Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard149 acres
4.1 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls767 acres
4.2 miles away
Anderson Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Erhard89 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Otter Tail River Reservoir?
Otter Tail River Reservoir is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. It covers 313 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Otter Tail River Reservoir?
Otter Tail River Reservoir covers 313 acres with about 9.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Otter Tail River Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Otter Tail River Reservoir?
Yes. Otter Tail River Reservoir has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Otter Tail River Reservoir?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Otter Tail River 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 Otter Tail River Reservoir stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Otter Tail River Reservoir; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Otter Tail River Reservoir?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Otter Tail River Reservoir have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Otter Tail River 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.