Otter Tail River(Red Rive
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. DNR lake ID 56071100.
Otter Tail River(Red Rive is a 313.2-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56071100 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Fergus Falls |
| Surface area | 313.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.9 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2018 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.9 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Otter Tail River(Red Rive rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2018 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Otter Tail River(Red Rive
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.67 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.89 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 10.89 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.11 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.67 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.78 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 7.0 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 3.0 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2015), Walleye 24.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2017).
Public boat access
- West Red River Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 5 mi N of Fergus Falls on Cnty Rd 1, then 1.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 3, to access on W side of road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Big Stone Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fish Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Heilberger Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fogard Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tonseth Lake 4.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Jewett Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Mule Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Otter Tail River(Red Rive
How deep is Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Otter Tail River(Red Rive reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Otter Tail River(Red Rive covers about 313.2 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Summer water clarity on Otter Tail River(Red Rive averages 11.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Otter Tail River(Red Rive have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Otter Tail River(Red Rive for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Otter Tail River(Red Rive. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Otter Tail River(Red Rive has 1 public water access site on DNR record: West Red River Lake.
How is the walleye population on Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2015, walleye numbers on Otter Tail River(Red Rive ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
Homes on Otter Tail River(Red Rive come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Otter Tail River(Red Rive and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Otter Tail River(Red Rive?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Otter Tail River(Red Rive in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Otter Tail River(Red Rive
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.