Otter

Otter Lake is a 332 acre highly fertile lake assigned to lake class 39. The maximum depth is 21 feet but the vast majority of the lake is 15 feet or shallower. The lack of deep water habitat has resulted in this lake being historically susceptible to winter kills. An aeration system was installed in 2002 and is operated by Ramsey County. The fishery is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Bluegill. Although regular stockings do not occur, adult Largemouth Bass have been stocked on occasion and several stockings of Walleye fry have been conducted in the last decade.

The species composition and size structure of the fish population in Otter Lake is indicative of a body of water that periodically winterkills. Restocking after these events has not been necessary due to the connecting channel to Bald Eagle Lake. An aeration system has been installed and is operated by Ramsey County Public Works as needed to prevent extensive winterkills of fish. Northern Pike (NOP) were sampled above the median level for abundance in gill nets. The 16.50 fish/set in 2013 is the second highest gill net catch rate of NOP ever recorded for this lake (39.0 fish/set in 1997). The average size NOP captured was approximately 17.26 inches and 1.42 pounds. Over 12 percent of sampled NOP measured 26.0 inches or larger. Bluegills (BLG) were sampled above the median level for abundance in trap nets. The average size of BLG sampled in trap nets was 7.03 inches and 0.34 pounds. Approximately 63 percent of BLG captured measured 7 inches or longer. Two Black Crappies (BLC) were captured during the sampling and measured 5.6 and 8.5 inches. Only one Largemouth Bass (LMB) was captured during this assessment and measured 7.36 inches.

The species composition and size structure of the fish population in Otter Lake is indicative of a body of water that periodically winterkills. Restocking after these events hasnt been necessary due to the connecting channel to Bald Eagle Lake. An aeration system has been installed and is operated by Ramsey County Public Works as needed to prevent extensive winterkills of fish. Net catches during this assessment indicate that no significant winterkill has occurred in this lake since the winter of 2000/2001. Northern Pike (NOP) were sampled above median levels for abundance and mean weight in gill nets. The 15.5 fish/set in 2007 is the second highest gill net catch rate of NOP ever recorded for this lake (39.0/set in 1997). The average size NOP captured was approximately 21.8 inches and 2.4 pounds. Over 18 percent of sampled NOP measured 26.0 inches or larger. Bluegill (BLG) were sampled with the highest catch rate in trap nets ever recorded for this lake (95.0 fish/set). The average size of BLG sampled was 5.4 inches in length and 0.11 pounds (9.17 fish/lb). Only 1.9 percent of sampled BLG measured 7.0 inches or longer. Black Crappie (BLC) were sampled below median levels for abundance with the average fish captured being 7.3 inches and 0.22 pounds. Few Largemouth Bass (LMB) were captured, but all measured over 12 inches in length. Black Bullhead (BLB) abundance appears to be increasing, but only one fish was captured that measured more than 9.5 inches in length.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch in Otter. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Otter. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Otter has a maximum depth of 21 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Otter is from 2019.

Yes — Otter has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Otter has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.