The Otter Tail River is a 192-mile-long river in the west-central portion of the state of Minnesota. It begins in Clearwater County, 40 miles southwest of Bemidji. It then flows through a number of lakes and cities in Minnesota, including Elbow Lake, Many Point Lake, Chippewa Lake, Height of Land Lake, Frazee, the Pine lakes, Rush Lake, Otter Tail Lake and Ottertail, West Lost Lake, Fergus Falls, and Orwell Lake.
At its mouth, it joins with the Bois de Sioux River to form the Red River between Breckenridge, Minnesota and Wahpeton, North Dakota. The Red River is the Minnesota–North Dakota boundary from this point northward to the Canada–United States border. Waters of the Red River watershed ultimately flow north into Hudson Bay.
Between 1909 and 1925, the private Otter Tail Power Company built five dams on the Otter Tail River. They are Dayton Hollow (1909), Hoot Lake (1914), Pisgah (1918), Central / Wright (1871 / 1922), and Taplin Gorge (1925). A pre-licensing application document from the Otter Tail Power Company describes more in detail the dams along the Otter Tail River.
The Otter Tail River can be a quiet peaceful slow-moving river but it also has stretches with rock rapids, dangerous dams, and fast-moving water through culverts with little or no headroom. Careful reading of the route description before an outing is a necessary step in planning a safe, fun, and successful fishing trip. Flow rates change throughout the year with faster flow rates usually occurring earlier in the year. During higher flow rates, adventurous paddlers can enjoy dodging rocks, but that same stretch during low flow rates may require walking along side the canoe or kayak. Flow fluctuations in the Otter Tail Rover are not as extreme as other rivers in the state since it is naturally regulated by the many lakes it flows through and artificially maintained by over 20 dams along its course.
There are efforts to improve the Otter Tail River water trail to make it more accessible and safer for canoeists and kayakers as outlined in a draft master plan report. If these efforts are realized the river angler should have better access to some fine smallmouth fishing waters in the future.
The Otter Tail moves southerly and then westerly, first through the Coniferous Forest, then the Deciduous Forest and finally the Prairie Grassland ecosystem. Paddlers enjoying this river will be able to see distinct differences between the 3 different ecosystems the river passes through, particularly in the tree types and water color. Large stately pine, spruce, fir, and tamarack typify the coniferous ecosystem followed by sugar maple, basswood, oak, elm, and ironwood of the deciduous forest. The prairie grassland is now extensively farmed with little of the original prairie remaining, but the rivers edge will still have trees such as oaks, box elders, and willows. As the soil types change, the crystal-clear water of the coniferous forests eventually changes to dark clay-silted opaque water of the prairie grasslands. The fine clay soil particles are so small that they remain in suspension even during periods of slow flow. This dark water color is often assumed to be caused by pollution or drainage practices. However, while that may occasionally be a factor, this dark-colored water was typical long before European settlement. The drop in the river as it moves “down hill” also changes as the river moves towards Breckenridge and its confluence with the Red River. The first 100 miles of the river have minor rapids and a steeper drop, but when it reaches the prairie grasslands, the river flattens out and its flow reflects that change.
The Otter Tail River has 75 different fish species living in it. Smallmouth bass were first introduced in the Otter Tail River in 1992. The fish have greatly benefited from mandatory catch-and-release regulations for all smallmouth bass caught and habitat improvement, and now this midsized stream supports a fine population of smallies from the Taplan Gorge Dam (aka Friberg Dam) downstream to the Wilkin County line. In fact, a DNR survey several years ago found that 36 percent of Otter Tail's smallmouth bass were already over 12 inches, with some nearly 20 inches.
Humans have been in the Otter Tail River region for many years. Skeletal remains found near the Pelican River, a tributary of the Otter Tail, are estimated to be over 7,500 years old. It’s unknown when the first European explorer saw the Otter Tail River, but some suggest it may have been Viking explorers before 1400 A.D. The quest for furs brought the first trappers to the region of the Otter Tail River in the 1600s. But it was still some time after the great California Gold Rush of 1849 that European settlement of the area began in earnest. Driven by the need for lumber to feed a growing nation and facilitated by railroads and steamboats, the final wave of settlement began.
geoPDF map of the Otter Tail River
Otter Tail River near Elizabeth, MN
RM 69.1
Otter Tail River below Orwell Dam near Fergus Falls
RM 34.7
Otter Tail River at Breckenridge, CSAH16
RM 2.9
3723 Pebble Hills Drive
Fergus Falls, MN
218-382-4787
The first segment of the Otter Tail River to be documented is the Lake Agassiz Reach, named after an ancient large glacial lake whose southern shore was in this area. The river in this segment has dark clay-silted opaque water which reduces visibility. In this 34 mile stretch from the Orwell Dam area to the City of Breckenridge the river drops 32 feet, or less than one-foot per mile.
This first trip is a 7.1 mile long urban float through the western Minnesota City of Breckenridge starting just below the small head dam at Breckenridge Lake (RM 7.1) and ending at the rivers confluence with the Bois de Sioux River (RM 0.0), which is also the start of the Red River. A floodwater diversion channel is encountered at RM 2.8 (R), stay left. At RM 1.2 you will encounter the Water Plant Dam. Depending upon flow conditions experienced paddlers can make it through. Others should portage left, although there is no verified portage. During periods of high water you may find the Otter Tail River flows into the Red River at RM 0.3 (R). Be aware of concrete rip rap occurring in this area. This involves a 3.8 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 19 minutes. The river gradient for this stretch of river is 1.4 feet per mile.
There are two options for the next float. The first is a 8.9 mile stretch of river starting at the County Hwy 17 (270th Ave) bridge (RM 16.0) and ending at the Breckenridge Lake Public Access (RM 7.1). This has a 9.2 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 44 minutes. The river gradient is 1.8 feet per mile.
The second option is a bit longer 11.7 mile trip putting in at Co. Hwy 169 (290th Ave) bridge (RM 18.8) and taking out at Breckenridge Lake Pubic Access (RM 7.1). Look for remnants of old dams along this stretch. This has a 12.1 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about an hour to complete. The river gradient is also 1.8 feet per mile for this trip.
A float from Co. Hwy 19 (320th Ave) bridge (RM 23.3) to Co. Hwy 17 (270th Ave) bridge (RM 16.0) is a 7.3 mile long trip and the river gradient speeds up to 3.6 feet per mile. At RM 20.1 you will encounter some man made Class I rock riffles which can be paddled through in most flow conditions. This involves a 6.1 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 30 minutes.
The next segment involves putting in right below the Orwell Dam at the Co. Hwy 15 bridge access (RM 34.5) (L) and floating 11.2 miles down to the Co. Hwy 19 (320th Ave) bridge (RM 23.3). There are a lot of rocks in this stretch, especially during periods of low flow. The river gradient is 2.9 feet per mile. A 7.4 mile long bicycle shuttle takes 36 minutes.
The Orwell Dam (RM 34.8) creates the 782 acre Orwell Reservoir and is a United States Army Corps of Engineers flood control impoundment. The reservoir is part of the Orwell Wildlife Management Area which does not allow motorized watercraft from May 1 to August 31. No hunting is allowed. No trespassing on shore in this portion of the river. Buoys mark the start of the sanctuary. Because the main purpose of the reservoir is flood control, water levels are seasonally fluctuated to maximize storage during periods of high water. This fluctuation has several negative impacts on the reservoir and the resident fish community. Riparian vegetation has not been able to establish due to periodic inundation. This has resulted in severe shoreline erosion. Eroded material is suspended in the water, increasing turbidity. The increased turbidity, as well as fluctuating water levels, have prevented the establishment of submerged vegetation important to many fish species. Fluctuating water levels also negatively impact the spawning success of some fish species. Changes to the reservoir operating plan in 1986, which required more stable water level management, have improved fishery conditions, but the fishery will not reach full potential as long as flood control is the primary function of the reservoir. The entire shoreline of Orwell Reservoir is owned by the state of Minnesota. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land. The Corps of Engineers maintains a public water access on the north shoreline off of County Road 114. Presently, there are quality populations of black crappie, walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish in the reservoir, along with moderate numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The reservoir also contains moderate to high numbers of several rough-fish species.
The next segment of the Otter Tail River to explore is the Fergus Falls Reach which flows from the Taplin Gorge Dam down to the Dayton Hollow Dam. This can be a very productive smallmouth fishery area. The Fergus Falls Reach is distinguished by the 272’ drop in 34 river miles and is characterized by hydropower dams and reservoirs, numerous portages, and an urban portion which is suggested not to be paddled due to hazardous obstructions in the river. The dams along this segment help lessen the river gradient but there are still some Class I and Class II rapids that should only be considered by experienced paddlers.
At RM 39.1 the Dayton Hollow Dam creates the Dayton Hollow Reservoir. This 209 acre impoundment of the Otter Tail River is riverine in nature, and the fish population reflects that. Some of the most abundant species are those associated with rivers: various redhorse species, Common Carp, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Bigmouth Buffalo, and Smallmouth Bass. Emergent vegetation (bulrush, cattail, and wild rice) are located in various areas throughout the reservoir. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants also provide spawning areas for many fish species. Development around Dayton Hollow Reservoir is very limited. There is a MNDNR owned public access (RM 40.4) (L) located on the east shoreline. This reservoir can be fished much like a lake or become part of a river trip destination.
This first stretch of river is probably one that doesn't see much activity due to some access difficulty. However, all that means is that there are potentially more fish for YOU! The suggested put in point is right below the Pisgah Dam located next to the Co. Hwy 1 (Tower Road) bridge (RM 47.1). Be prepared for some fast moving water from the dam downstream to the I-94 freeway culverts (RM 46.3). Check for log jams that may block a culvert entrance. You may also encounter some Class I rapids on the other side of the culverts so also be prepared as you exit them. The Pelican River confluence (RM 44.5) (R) is also a potential place you could put in if you don't want to put in farther upstream. You can paddle through the County Road 15 culverts (RM 43.2) which soon puts you at the tail waters of the Dayton Hollow Reservoir. The public access (RM 40.4) is located about halfway down the reservoir on the east shore. This is a 6.7 mile long float with a 3.7 foot per mile river gradient. This has a 3.4 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 21 minutes. If you decide to put in at the Pelican River bridge expect a 4.1 mile long float with a 3.6 foot per mile river gradient and a 5.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 35 minutes.
A potential put in and take out spot would be the Robert Hannah Park (RM 48.0) (L). From here you could fish the area between the Pisgah Dam (RM 47.1) and the Central Dam (RM 48.7).
An urban fishing experience, although not recommended by some because of potential water obstructions, is putting in just upstream of the Mt. Faith/Main Street bridge access (RM 50.1). Be aware that just north of this put in spot is a favorite swimming spot (RM 50.2) for locals and a rope at times may be stretched across the river. From here you can float downstream and paddle back up to the put in point as the river gradient is pretty flat, or float the 1.4 miles down to Veterans Memorial Park (RM 48.7) which has carry in access and is located just upstream of the Central Dam (RM 48.7). A bicycle shuttle would be 1.4 miles long and take about 7 minutes.
This next trip has two options with the longer option being reserved for those more experienced paddlers as you may encounter some Class I to Class II rapids in the last segment. Both options put in at the County Road 1 access (RM 61.8) (R) and floating the 13 miles down to the Hwy 210 carry in access (RM 55.1). This first leg is a nice slow 1.1 foot per mile river gradient. This segment requires a 4.6 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 25 minutes. The second leg makes this an 18 mile float and contains a series of rapids and remnants of old dams (RM 52.8 - 52.1) which require a higher degree of paddling skills. The take out point is at the Mt. Faith/Main Street bridge access (RM 50.1). Along the way you will also encounter the Hoot Lake Dam and Power Plant (RM 50.7). Depending upon flow conditions, experienced paddlers can make it through. Others should portage on the left 240 yards (difficult portage). This segment has a river gradient of over 9 feet per mile. A bicycle shuttle would be 3.8 miles long and take 19 minutes to complete.
A nice float to consider would be to put in at the Taplan Gorge Dam (RM 70.5) and float down to the Diversion Dam (RM 63.2) making this a 7.3 mile long fishing trip. You will encounter shallow culverts at Hwy 10 (RM 68.2) and a bridge at 245 Street (RM 63.4). The Diversion Dam slows the water in this area making it a relaxing area to fish. The river gradient is 1.8 feet per mile. A 6.3 mile long bicycle shuttle takes about 33 minutes.
I have not included any fishing trips above the Taplan Gorge Dam as it appears the smallmouth bass have not be introduced upstream of the dam.