FALL FISHING IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MN
We know, you’re bummed that summer is almost over. We understand. The good news is fall is a fantastic time to visit our neck of the woods. Especially if you are a fan of the great outdoors. This region is home to some of the finest autumn foliage, dare we say(?) in Minnesota. Plus, we have over 1,000 lakes for you to do some fall fishing during a less busy time of year.

Below, we will lay out what fall fishing in Otter Tail County, MN can be like. We will also try to help you prepare for your visit.
Less people
It’s been said that Otter Tail County’s population doubles in the summer. Folks flock to the area to enjoy all that Lake Life has to offer. Once Labor Day rolls around, it’s back to school time and the family vacations tend to dwindle. What that means for you is you will have less competition on the water. Another factor contributing to less angling pressure is that hunting season(s) open soon. Lots of local anglers are avid hunters too. Thats just one of the reasons they choose to live here. The deer archery season, small game season, waterfowl season(s) draw a lot of folks off the water and into the woods.

Putting on the feed bag
The other good news is fish are hungry in the fall. As water temps drop, many species enter a phase where they eat more aggressively in preparations for a long cold winter. This isn’t too say they won’t eat in the winter, they will. There is just a small window when many of our favorites like walleye, pike, small mouth bass, crappies and muskies are a little easier to catch.

The views
As we mentioned, we’d put Otter Tail County up there with some of the best fall colors in Minnesota. Maybe even the midwest. And until you’ve soaked it in from a boat, you don’t know what you are missing.

what to bring
clothes for all seasons, head lamp, rubber boots (dock might be out at the access), license, life jackets, (golf clubs or hunting gear) friends, hand warmers, towels, gloves,

WHERE TO FISH
Walleye – Otter Tail Lake
Muskie – Battle Lake
Crappies/Blue Gills – pick a lake
Small Mouth bass – Lake Lida, Clitheral, Ten Mile Lake
If you aren’t sure where to start, you could reach out to some area fishing guides. Cody Hill of CHill Guide Service and Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service are both members of our organization and we would appreciate if you contact them. They are both super guides.