Larson Lake Fishing near Fergus Falls, Minnesota

• Overview

  Larson Lake lies in Otter Tail County, in Minnesota. It lies 1,276 feet above sea level. It measures about 59 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The bank runs about 1.2 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Fergus Falls at 7.7 miles is the nearest place to stop. For a city, Fargo is 61 miles off. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Larson Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Otter Tail County records list largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye and bluegill among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Larson Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 70°F and January reads 7°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about late November in a typical year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Larson Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Indian Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Larson Lake carry more weight than any list.