Otter

St. Louis County

Near Burntside Lake

DOW: 69032600

Northern PikeGood · 67Smallmouth BassGood · 50Rock BassAverage · 44

A 76-acre lake near Burntside Lake in St. Louis County — best known for pike and bass. Last surveyed 1983.

Fish Species (5)

Northern Pike

Good · 67

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1983

Last surveyed 1983 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.06 lbs

Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net · typical 2–6.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 8, 1983	6.00	-	2.06 lbs	Standard gill nets

Smallmouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1983

Last surveyed 1983 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.70 lbs

Catch rate: 7.7 per gill net · typical 0.5–5.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 8, 1983	7.67	-	1.70 lbs	Standard gill nets

Rock Bass

Average · 44

Average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1983

Last surveyed 1983 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.22 lbs

Catch rate: 4.3 per gill net · typical 0.3–2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 8, 1983	4.33	-	0.22 lbs	Standard gill nets

Bluegill

Insufficient

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1983

Last surveyed 1983 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.33 lbs

Catch rate: 2.0 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 8, 1983	2.00	-	0.33 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.

White Sucker

Good · 58

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1983

Last surveyed 1983 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.18 lbs

Catch rate: 7.3 per gill net · typical 3.6–14.1 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 8, 1983	7.33	-	2.18 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth

Sunfish

20 combined total

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Rock Bass

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

no limit

Biologist Notes

August 8, 1983Otter Lake contains above average populations of northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill sunfish, sucker, and rock bass.

Otter Lake contains above average populations of northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill sunfish, sucker, and rock bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Otter?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Rock Bass in Otter. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Otter?

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

How deep is Otter?

Otter has a maximum depth of 17 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Otter last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Otter is from 1983. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Otter have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Otter?

No — Otter has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide rock bass limit is: 30. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.