Dayton Hollow Reservoir, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Dayton Hollow Reservoir is listed under Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It sits in mixed forest. At some 265 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The edge covers about 5.2 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. Fergus Falls is the closest place, 3.2 miles off. Fargo is the closest city, 54 miles away. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Dayton Hollow Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Otter Tail County cover largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye and bluegill. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Read Dayton Hollow Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 70°F and January at 7°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Dayton Hollow Reservoir runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Rush Lake, 1.6 miles out. Check the position on Dayton Hollow Reservoir before loading the car.