Ice conditions report 1•26•25

By Your Inner Otter

We begin each ice conditions report with a reminder that ice on lakes/ponds/rivers is never 100% safe. You are responsible for checking ice thickness should you choose to travel out for some ice fishing . Just because you see someone else in a spot or with a vehicle, hard house etc… That doesn’t mean the ice is safe between you and them. You should always proceed with caution and drill holes off the beaten path to check for variations in thickness. We have seen as much as 3-4 inches difference in a very short distance. It could be 18 inches in one spot and 14 inches in another. That means if you were in vehicle you would run the risk of falling through.

This is the best ice we’ve had in Otter Tail County, MN in a long time. We drilled a hole on the east side of West Battle Lake. We only drilled 1 hole, and as we all know, ice thickness can vary. The hole we dug had 23 inches of ice. Be sure to keep an eye out for ice heaves on area lakes.

The 8th Annual Battle Lake Area Sporting Club Ice Fishing Derby location has been changed due to a heave on West Battle Lake. The new location will be on the east side of the lake near the access off County Highway 5, the address is 23269 Co. HWY 5, Henning, MN. There looks to be plenty of good spots over there. This ice fishing derby is scheduled for Feb. 22nd. It is a well run derby with tons of prizes. Very family friendly. You can even fish out of your fish house, which some derby’s don’t allow. Put it on your calendar and plan on spending the weekend on the ice.

That doesn’t mean all of the ice on the lake is safe. Take it slow and proceed with caution.

We have 5 members who offer fish house rental. Vacationland Resort & Barky’s Resort are on Otter Tail Lake. Meister Guide Service & Lightfoot Outdoors usually have fish house rentals on Otter Tail Lake as well. If you are looking for a different lake, just reach out and ask them. Lock Jaw Guide Service also offers fish house rentals. Their houses aren’t typically on Otter Tail Lake, but they should be on fish.

We will do our best to provide updates on ice conditions in Otter Tail County, MN throughout this winter. We highly recommend you bring safety equipment should you venture out. You will need a measuring device, throw rope, ice picks, throwable or wearable pfd, ice picks & ice cleats.