Mud Lake Fishing Guide, Otter Tail County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Mud Lake sits within Otter Tail County in Minnesota. It stands 1,309 feet above sea level. About 380 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Some 4.2 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Few waters listed in Otter Tail County are bigger. Perham lies 14 miles from the water. After that come Pelican Rapids at 18 miles and Fergus Falls at 19 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name largemouth bass, black crappie and walleye. The county list is broader than any single water. The shape of Mud Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 70°F, with January the cold end at about 6°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Mud Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Amor Wildlife Management Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Pickerel Lake sits 2.2 miles off and takes the overflow. What applies at Mud Lake may have changed since it was mapped.