Below the Surface – Fishing the Otter Tail River

by Jean Bowman, photos provided

Whether grounded firmly on shore, up to your hips in water or safely in a kayak or canoe, the Otter Tail River through Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County promises a memorable fishing experience. There’s no promise about what you’ll catch, but the experiences of these two avid river fisher-men can prepare you for a great day on, in, or near the water. Matt Nelson, an avid kayak fisherman, grew up near the Red River in Fargo. The Otter Tail River flows right into “the Red,” and since Matt discovered it in 2012 it’s quickly become one of his favorite places to spend the day kayaking and fishing. Given that both his nickname (and YouTube Channel) are NDYakAngler (“Yak” for kayak), that’s his preferred way to fish the Otter Tail. But he adds “some spots like dams or bridges – where there’s fast current – will be more easily fished from shore. Even wade fishing is a good option; most of the river is somewhat shallow, and the clear water makes it easy to see what you’re walking into.”

The Otter Tail River has several dams, and they can be an opportunity. Nelson thinks they are a great place to find fish. They act as a road block for fish migrating upstream so they tend to congregate below them. The eddies beneath the dams, as well as the deeper water and rocky shorelines on the top sides of them, will hold a variety of fish. Otter Tail Power Company owns the dams, but Nelson notes they permit access at several locations, allowing anglers to walk across the top of the dam to access either side of the river.

Luther Aadland, a river scientist in the DNR River Ecolo-gy Unit, has fished the Otter Tail River for 30 years. Lake Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass and Catfish are prevalent in the river. “My best trips are downstream of Orwell Dam where Channel Catfish and other species are also available,” says Aadland. “Mississippi River “smallies” were introduced to this reach in the early 1990s and they grew rapidly.”

“The catch and release-only regulation for Smallmouth Bass helps maintain a healthy population of big fish,” adds Nelson.

Nelson and Aadland are both happy to fish any time of day. Aadland prefers evening, but morning and mid-day can also be good; he also enjoys night fishing. Nelson’s favorite times to fish are sunrise and sunset, although he’s done really well mid-day too, by “finding fish hanging out in shady spots along the bank.” He adds that late summer is his favorite time to be on the river; the current is generally slower by then so it’s easier to keep a position in the kayak!”
Like good fishermen, both Aadland and Nelson maintain a little mystery to their success. Nelson’s favorite way to catch Smallmouth Bass is by using topwater lures, “they aren’t always willing to hit the surface but when they are it’s such an exciting way to catch them,” exclaims Nelson. Aadland also enjoys topwater baits. When fly-fishing, he suggests grasshopper and mayfly imitations which can be very effective.

When visiting Fergus Falls, Orwell Dam is a great place for a family outing. There are plenty of good shore fishing spots as well as picnic tables, a playground, and restroom facilities. For inexperienced paddlers, Nelson recommends launching on one of the reservoirs to get a feel for the kayak or canoe in still water before making their way toward the river. As an added resource, there is a helpful Otter Tail River Trail map available on the DNR website. Nelson asks, “What are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy the river! Whether you’re out for a day of fishing or just want to take in some beautiful river scenery the Otter Tail is a great place to spend the day!”