Little Otter

Itasca County

Near Marcell

DOW: 31047100

BluegillExcellent · 81Yellow PerchGood · 64WalleyeGood · 50

A 60-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County — best known for panfish and walleye. Last surveyed 1982.

Fish Species (5)

Bluegill

Excellent · 81

Typical numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.27 lbs

Catch rate: 36.3 per trap net · typical 7.9–37.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 1982	36.25	-	0.27 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 16, 1982	4.33	-	0.22 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Good · 64

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.29 lbs

Catch rate: 2.7 per gill net · typical 1.5–18.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 1982	2.67	-	0.29 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Good · 50

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.15 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 0.3–2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 1982	0.67	-	2.15 lbs	Standard gill nets

Largemouth Bass

Good · 50

Average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.90 lbs

Catch rate: 7.0 per gill net · typical 0.5–1.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 1982	7.00	-	0.90 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 1982	0.67	-	2.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Walleye and Sauger

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"

Largemouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth Bass

Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)

Sunfish

20 combined total

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

July 16, 1982Bluegill and largemouth bass populations are at quite high levels. Perch abundance is fairly low.

Bluegill and largemouth bass populations are at quite high levels. Perch abundance is fairly low.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Little Otter?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass in Little Otter. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Little Otter?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little Otter. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Little Otter?

Little Otter has a maximum depth of 35 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Little Otter last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Otter is from 1982. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Little Otter have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Little Otter in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Little Otter?

No — Little Otter has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.