---
type: lake
name: "Otter Tail River Reservoir"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Fergus Falls"
lake_type: "river lake"
acres: 313
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 46.3884
longitude: -95.99158
lake_score: 53
dnr_lake_id: "56071100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/otter-tail-river-reservoir
---

# Otter Tail River Reservoir

River lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls

- **Surface Area**: 313 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Shoreline**: 9.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10 ft
- **Lake Type**: river lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 53/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

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

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2021
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: No

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit 10.

## Activities

Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Jewett Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/jewett-lake) - 3.2 miles, 747 acres
- [Fish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/fish-lake) - 3.5 miles, 1,078 acres
- [Heilberger Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/heilberger-lake) - 3.6 miles, 221 acres
- [Tonseth Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/tonseth-lake) - 4.1 miles, 149 acres
- [Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/long-lake-fergus-falls) - 4.2 miles, 767 acres
- [Anderson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/anderson-lake) - 5 miles, 89 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.3884,-95.99158)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56071100)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/otter-tail-river-reservoir)*