Otter Tail Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otter Tail Lake |
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Otter Tail Lake, at the Otter Tail River inlet
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 Otter Tail Lake
Location in Minnesota
Otter Tail Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°24′1.45″N 95°39′46.65″W / 46.4004028°N 95.6629583°W |
| Primary inflows | Otter Tail River, Dead River |
| Primary outflows | Otter Tail River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 21 sq mi (54 km2) |
| Max. depth | 120 ft (37 m) |
| Settlements | Ottertail, Minnesota |
Otter Tail Lake is a large lake in the middle-west part of Minnesota, a state in the United States. It covers about 21 square miles (54 square kilometers). This makes it the biggest lake in Otter Tail County.
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About Otter Tail Lake
Otter Tail Lake is next to the city of Ottertail. It is part of a group of lakes connected by the Otter Tail River. Before the river reaches Otter Tail Lake, it flows through Big Pine, Little Pine, and Rush lakes. After leaving Otter Tail Lake, the river continues to East Lost, West Lost, and Deer lakes.
Lake Depth and Water
The deepest part of Otter Tail Lake is about 120 feet (37 meters). However, more than half of the lake (57%) is shallow, only about 15 feet (4.6 meters) deep or less. The bottom of the lake, especially in the shallower areas, is made of sand and gravel. The water in the lake is quite clear. You can see down about 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), which is considered good.
A special part of the lake is called the "point." This point divides the lake into two main sections, an eastern half and a western half.
Surrounding Nature
The edges of Otter Tail Lake are surrounded by tall trees. Most of these trees lose their leaves in the fall (they are deciduous). This line of trees goes back about 300 yards (274 meters) from the shore. These trees act like a shield, blocking the wind. This keeps the water near the shore much calmer compared to the middle of the lake.
The water from Otter Tail Lake eventually flows north. It joins the Red River of the North, which then flows into Hudson Bay in Canada. Otter Tail Lake is one of the ten largest lakes that are completely inside Minnesota. It covers 13,725 acres.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Otter Tail Lake is a very popular place for fun and relaxation. Many homes and businesses are built around its shores.
Fishing and Boating
The lake is well-known for its great fishing. People especially like to catch walleye and Northern pike here. These are the most popular fish for anglers (people who fish with a rod and line).
Besides fishing, the lake is also a favorite spot for boating. You can see power-boats and jet-skis, but also sailboats. Because the lake is so big, the winds in the middle can get strong. This makes sailing quite exciting and challenging.
Sailing History
Sailing was very popular on Otter Tail Lake from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. During this time, the lake even held yearly sailing races. A type of sailboat called a hobie cat was especially popular then.
Fishing Tournaments
Otter Tail Lake is also home to the Reel Country Classic. This is a two-day fishing tournament that happens every May. It has been taking place since 2005.
