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I fished ottertail hard the last 2 1/2 weeks, and it has been pretty fruitless. I've tried everywhere from the deep humps 32-38 feet of water. To the shallow humps 16-22 feet, and haven't had much luck. I have an underwater camera so I can see what is down there. For the most part it is perch and very small walleyes. We have caught very few keeper walleyes, and only one really nice one. A buddy of mine caught a 27 incher, which we released. Other than that it has been really slow. Basically I just want to know if anybody is getting any decent fish on the lake. Because I'm sure not. Any advice would be appreciated.

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It can get like that, especially this time of year.

I have had good days out there later on in January and up until the walleye season closed.

When this cold spell breaks, it might get better.

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I would try going in. I have been having some decent luck in 9-12 ft, usually about 1 hour after sunrise or after dark.

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From my experience there is definitely a flurry at dusk on OT, but shallower 10-15 might be good later on. Just like summer. I would expect some bigger fish, but much slower because you are fishing tops of flats and the fish will be more spread out and not funneled through certain area as before.

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J

Are you serious? Everyone I've talked to over the last couple weeks has been moving to much deeper water. 9-12 ft. seems extremely shallow this late in the year. Unreal. Thanks for the info.

Are you having success after dark? It always appears that everyone on the lake bolts for the shore about 1/2 hour after it gets dark. Maybe it's worth staying a little later.

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I know it sounds kind of strange. I have been fishing ot for 15 years, and I rarely go deeper than 15 ft. The exception would be in October, when the water turns over. The action is not constant, and there are bad days, just like fishing anywhere. Last weekend I did manage 3 fish over 20", in 9 ft, all during the day, typically around 9 - 11. Large suckers and a plain hook. Tuesday night, only one fish, 15", but it tasted good.

Also, there has usually been a run around 6:30 or so, but fish after dark are maybe one per hour.

[This message has been edited by jcbh (edited 01-17-2003).]

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Jc

By no means was I questioning your abilities...I just haven't heard that before. That's excellent information to know....thanks for the post...much appreciated. I've only fished the lake for a couple years and it's always intriguing. I learn more each time. I'll probably try it tomorrow. Good luck...thanks again.

B-

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