Windy Lake in Otter Tail County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Windy Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It sits at 1,391 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 63 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The form is near circular, and the shelter is limited when it blows. Nearest place of any size is New York Mills, 1 mile away. Perham lies 9.9 miles off, Wadena another 13 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Windy Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Otter Tail County include largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Windy Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 69°F in July and bottoms out near 5°F in January. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about late November in a typical year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Windy Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Windy Lake Wildlife Management Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Henry Lake is 0.7 miles off. Treat Windy Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.