Otter Tail Area Fishing Report – June 2026

Fishing action across the Otter Tail area continues to improve as water temperatures warm and fish settle into early summer patterns.

The walleye bite has transitioned away from minnows and is now favoring leeches and nightcrawlers. Anglers are finding success working weedline edges, cabbage patches, and transition areas in 8-15 feet of water. Slip bobbers with leeches, Lindy rigs, and spinner rigs tipped with crawlers are producing quality fish, especially during low-light periods and on wind-blown shorelines. Recent local reports confirm the seasonal shift to a strong crawler and leech bite.

SunfishSunfish are moving onto their spawning beds and can be found in shallow bays and protected shorelines. Look for colonies in sandy areas near emerging weeds. Small jigs, wax worms, and pieces of crawler are all producing steady action.

CrappiesMost crappies have completed their spawn and are now transitioning to deeper weeds, cabbage edges, and basin-adjacent cover. Focus on 6-12 feet of water near healthy vegetation and sunken structure. Anglers are finding some excellent-sized fish as they regroup after spawning.

The overall bite is excellent right now, and anglers willing to move between weedlines, flats, and structure are putting together mixed bags of walleyes, crappies, and sunfish.

Good luck on the water, and we'll see you out there!