Fishing at Sherman Lake, Otter Tail County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Sherman Lake lies within the bounds of Otter Tail County, Minnesota. The water sits 1,325 feet up. At roughly 22 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Otter Tail County list. The town to know is New York Mills, 14 miles out. Perham is 15 miles and Parkers Prairie 20 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Sherman Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Otter Tail County: largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Sherman Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 70°F and January near 7°F on the long-run figures. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at Sherman Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Round Lake is 0.4 miles off. For Sherman Lake in particular, ask before you travel.