Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Ottertail-Battle Lake-Perham-Fergus Falls area Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

Heading out to the east side of Ottertail tomorrow evening and possibly morning. If you see a little two-person Shappell with a shiny new Strikemaster Lazermag nearby, stop in and say hi! Might be a marron Ford F150 nearby, too, otherwise I hoofed it.

Good luck this weekend! Looking forward to some milder temps!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been fishing this last week, and been keeping 4-5 eyes a night. Has anyone else been having sucess in the last week, or is that ave. For a local lake.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, fished OT Saturday morning. Forgot the house (oops) so grandpa and I had to rough it, which wasn't bad considering it was close to 30. Anyway, set up on the same dropoff as two weeks ago. Had two tipups set, too: one shallow and one deep. Grandpa had a minnow on a slip bobber in 18 FOW and I was jiggin in 20 FOW. Nada. I marked two fish that came up to sniff, but that's all. Finally got a solid hit around 9:30, but had the drag set too light and it got off. Dang! Called it a morning shortly after. Looks like a lot of moving around going on. People definately are moving deeper or moving off.

For the afternoon, we hit a little local lake close to home and my wife landed a nice 3.5 lb. largemouth, a 2 lb largemouth and a 21" walleye. All in 10 FOW. Nothing for me or grandpa, but we had fun watching her fight those fish! The reel was screaming! All in all, great weekend with excellent weather!

Next up (as long as the weather holds) Lake of the Woods this weekend! Can't wait!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was thinking of trying the south access on OT...never fished OT before but it seems to be the largest/closet body of water to fargo....anybody have any advice?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We went off the TH 78 access near OT city last night. Followed the road to a nearby hump. Set up in 20'. Fished until 6:30. caught a few small perch and small eyes. No keepers. Talked to a dude that caught a few out in 27-28 feet. Lots of lookers on the vex but they were not aggresively feeding.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was thinking of trying the south access on OT...never fished OT before but it seems to be the largest/closet body of water to fargo....anybody have any advice?

Made kind of a loop around the lake this weekend. There are a lot less houses off the south access than there used to be. I think early and late in the year that spot is good for numbers (perch and walleyes) but not size. Now that winter finally has its hold, everything is deeper. I'd get yourself a map or go to the DNR lake finder site and check it out for structure. Honestly, I have no idea where to go on that lake, I can only guess based on where houses are set up and how the lake map looks. From what I gather, the majority of houses now are out deep, either sitting on sunken islands or other mid-lake structure. No matter where you are out there now, fishing is going to be a lot slower. Unless I hear some good reports from my sources, I'm staying off OT until March.

Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My brother-in-law and I were out there on Monday on the east side of the lake in 10-18' of water. Nothing but tiny perch, one 16" eye. Saw several eyes on the camera but were not active at all. I heard people are heading further west over by the rock piles or to deeper water.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ended up fishing the south access near "the lodge" I think?....drilled some holes on a hump from 11-29 feet(prolly 100 or so feet from the houses close to the access) and fished the deeper side for several hours w/ only a perch biting, didn't mark any fish. About 1pm I drove a little further out and went inbetween two groupings of houses(prolly 400 feet or so from the closest house) and found 19' of water...was an odd feeling to be able to see the bottom through the ice holes! Watched fish and dodged the perch bites till I couldnt see bottom anymore and managed 3 walleyes and lost a lure to a huge northern...Made for a fun evening being able to see bottom and watch the perch scatter when an eye came in...and it was crazy watching that northern snag my line 'bout 10 feet down...quite a battle for 2 mins till be bit through my line...all in all I'm gonna go back and try again on that spot for a full day....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm thinking about heading up to OT this weekend, what does the lake look like on top? am i still ab;e to drive a truck on or will i need something else? Also, has anybody found any decent perch out there yet?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm thinking about heading up to OT this weekend, what does the lake look like on top? am i still ab;e to drive a truck on or will i need something else? Also, has anybody found any decent perch out there yet?

With all the rain and slush in the area, I'd imagine the going is going to be tough. If you don't hear anything from first-hand witnesses, I'd bring snowmobiles just in case.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 wheel drive will probably get it done. We did not get much snow, mostly rain and sleet. It will be crunchy now when the temps drop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We drove all over OT today w/ ease...snow was really soft, wet underneath...no problems getting around, however if the fish would just cooperate...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We drove all over OT today w/ ease...snow was really soft, wet underneath...no problems getting around, however if the fish would just cooperate...

I stand corrected! I guess we got it a lot worse than you did. Good to hear it didn't screw up the ice too bad!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I could really go for some nice size eating perch,crappies,walleye...........heck anything. I will be in the ottertail area this weekend, is there anything biting?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Originally Posted By: teach'n'fish
I'm thinking about heading up to OT this weekend, what does the lake look like on top? am i still ab;e to drive a truck on or will i need something else? Also, has anybody found any decent perch out there yet?

With all the rain and slush in the area, I'd imagine the going is going to be tough. If you don't hear anything from first-hand witnesses, I'd bring snowmobiles just in case.

I was out there today.....pickups are driving all over the lake.....with this cold snap most of the slush and water froze on top....I could go anywhere I wanted with my atv...and I am sure you could with a full size pickup.......the snow is so hard it would support a pickup.Good luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And by the way...all i found out there was small perch...and they didn't seem to wanna bite very much. I was only in 20 fow....maybe deeper?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

any info on south ten mile? drivability, bite, anything would be appreciated, driving a long way. been fishing around avon, but it all sucks, lol. ty in advance for any info.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

40 feet really light bite.

Hey BlackDog which landing did you use and how was the driving conditions? Thanks.

Mav

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished Ottertail from 7-4 today(Saturday) and found alot of hungry perch and 1 walleye...fished 18' of water...lake was driveable and the ice was thick, just no walters to speak of really...hopefully better luck next time...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was on ottertail all day saturday anywhere from 10-60 fow and it was a struggle. There were fish down there, but nothing with any size. The driving was interesting at times, but it is doable, best to make your own way. There are not many houses out there either... West Battle has a good night eye bite right now and i wish i could have taken advantage of it!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We went in on the North Access. The roads are pretty good, but you will need a 4x4.

No signs of flooding where we were at.

I didn't measure the ice, but it looked like 16" to 18".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

By north, I assume you mean Riviera. A couple of weeks ago there were a number of trails going off in three directions. Were you able to use any of them or did you have to break your own trail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Last time I was up there Mav the snow was so hard you could drive right on top of it....pretty much go anywhere you wanted either on a bumpy packed trail or going off in your own direction.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, Dude. That is great news. I am coming up this weekend with some friends and it will be nice to get to some of my spots.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Might see ya out there, have to see how work turns out for the end of the week, but I usually go out either Saturday or Sunday....if you see a green eskimo quickfish 6 and a red shortbox chevy stop in and say hello....fmers always welcome!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.