Fishing Minnesota- Ottertail/Perham Lakes

**StevieISU23** · 07-20-2012, 03:29 PM

We are mainly fishing Big and Little Pine Lakes-

Anyone been up that way?
I would be glad to know how things are going up there.
Are the water levels High, low, drought?
I'm not asking for you secret spot, but I wouldn't mind knowing if they have been:
Shallow vs Deep
or Live bait vs artificials?

I am kinda a crappie guy, but whatever bites is fine with me.
　
Any major Road construction between Des Moines and Perham, I35/I94??
　
Nothing like a fishing trip to kill time before FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!!

**Cyclonepride** · 07-20-2012, 04:10 PM

I fished in that area about 15 years ago. Not sure what the lake was called, but we drove over and golfed in Perham, which was a very nice course. The graphite driver I had is probably still in a cornfield up there (along with about 3 balls).

As far as fishing, I love throwing a skirted spinner along the lily pads.

**wcamnclone** · 07-20-2012, 04:45 PM

Being from the area it definitely depends on what you are fishing for. Walleyes - try and find some structure (points, rock piles, a flat, etc.) and troll with a spinner and either a nightcrawler or leech during this time of the year. Or start pulling crankbaits shortly before dusk/sunset. Doing this is also a good chance of catching a few largemouth bass or northern pike as well.

**stateofmind** · 07-20-2012, 04:46 PM

I've fished Ottertail County a lot. We fish large mouth and pike, and I've never caught a crappie up there. We fish with top water and spinners mostly. PowerBait works well for any of these types of fish.

Otter and Rush lake are good for walleye.

You can't beat a breakfast at Betty's in Ottertail if you are there around that time. I'm jealous!

**Cyfan1843** · 07-20-2012, 05:03 PM

I just got back from Leach lake fishing was slow we did catch 4 Walleye 27" was the biggest in 1 day plus few blue gill, bass and perch. We used a guide he was focused on walleye didn't really try for Pike or Muskey........not my choice his but he said Cass lake 30 min north Walley were biting good and that was one of the last walleye lakes left in MN with out a slot limit. The drive was really good very little road construction 4 lane the whole way until the last 40 miles and it was senic. Water levels were good, it was rainy in the am then sunny and was 58-70 degrees........wish I was still there.

**legi** · 07-20-2012, 07:49 PM

I don't know much about fishing but you should stop by Zorbaz on Ottertail.

**StevieISU23** · 07-22-2012, 09:08 PM

bump...

**ISU_phoria** · 07-22-2012, 09:18 PM

My folks have a place on Big Pine. Crappie fishing this time of year is really tough. Walleye have been OK this year, but the slot limit on the lake is a killer if you're wanting to eat and/or take some home. Northern are fairly easy to catch along the weed lines.

For Walleyes, try the West side of the Lake, near the boat ramp, there's some decent structure in that area.

And I second the vote for great pizza and nachos......it's on little pine.

**ISpyCy** · 07-22-2012, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by legi

I don't know much about fishing but you should stop by Zorbaz on Ottertail.

Can't talk about anything in Ottertail County without mentioning that place. Some of the best food served there!

As for fishing, a good high school friend of mine and their family own Sand Bay Resort on Battle Lake. He's told me the Northern and Walleye have been alright this year throughout the lakes, but have retreated to deeper waters. Not sure if that's the same for you though.