Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best smallmouth bass lakes in Otter Tail County
The DNR has surveyed smallmouth bass in 30 lakes in Otter Tail County. Of those, 21 earn a grade on this site, and the top 10 are ranked below. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Hoot Lake is first at A−. The DNR caught 39.4 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2025 survey, and the biggest was 20 inches. Clitherall Lake is second at B. 100% of its smallmouth bass measured over 15 inches. Tenmile Lake is third at B−, and its biggest smallmouth bass was 19 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 15" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoot Lake | A− | 161 | 39.4/hr in electrofishing | 74% | 20" | — | 2025 |
| 2 | Clitherall Lake | B | 2,540 | — | 100% | 20" | 5 lb | 2024 |
| 3 | Tenmile Lake | B− | 1,428 | — | 70% | 19" | 2.7 lb | 2025 |
| 4 | Clear Lake | B− | 399 | — | 50% | 19" | 2.1 lb | 2024 |
| 5 | Pelican Lake | B− | 3,962 | — | 41% | 19" | 1.7 lb | 2025 |
| 6 | Otter Tail Lake | B− | 14,079 | — | 31% | 19" | 1.5 lb | 2024 |
| 7 | East Silent Lake | B− | 324 | — | 25% | 18" | 1.3 lb | 2022 |
| 8 | Prairie Lake | B− | 1,004 | — | 50% | 18" | 1.8 lb | 2024 |
| 9 | Lizzie (north portion) Lake | B− | 1,913 | 2/hr in electrofishing | 35% | 20" | 1.6 lb | 2025 |
| 10 | Wall Lake | B− | 727 | 6.5/hr in electrofishing | 14% | 16" | 0.9 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Otter Tail County: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best smallmouth bass lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.