Otter Lake
Location 765 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Very Good
We collected 14 Channel Catfish in our 2021 survey, ranging from 17 to 23 inches. A healthy Channel Catfish population exists in this lake.
Muskellunge
Very Good
These solitary fish are rarely collected by electrofishing, however our netting surveys consistently catch these fish in good numbers. We collected 14 Muskies by netting in spring 2021, and 16 in spring 2022. Sizes ranged from 24 inches/5 lbs to 39 inches/15 lbs. Site Regulation: 48” minimum length limit; 1 fish daily creel limit.
White Bass
Good
Site Regulation: 3 fish 17” or longer; 10 fish daily creel limit.
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Very Good
These fish inhabit open water and are not often collected in our electrofishing surveys (1 fish in our 2021 survey and 1 in 2019), but a robust population occurs in the lake. In our spring 2022 Muskie survey we collected 5 Hybrid Striped Bass ranging from 19.5 inches/4 lbs to 27 inches/13 lbs. Site Regulation: 3 fish 17” or longer; 10 fish daily creel limit.
Bluegill
Fair
Approximately 23% of the Bluegill collected in our 2021 electrofishing survey were of quality size (6 inches and longer); however, only 5% were over 7 inches, and none were over 8 inches.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
The 2021 electrofishing survey yielded 113 Largemouth Bass/hour of electrofishing, which indicates a strong bass population. The size structure of the bass population is good, with 62% of the bass over 12 inches in length, 25% over 15 inches, 9% over 18 inches, and 2% over 20 inches. Site Regulation: 15” minimum length limit; 3 fish daily creel limit.
White Crappie
Very Good
White Crappie were numerous in our survey and ranged in length from 6 to 12.5 inches. Approximately 20% of the crappie collected were over 9 inches, 9% were over 10 inches, and 1% were over 12.
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 770 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8608 |
| 2024 | Muskellunge | Adult | 765 |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 7896 |
| 2023 | Muskellunge | Adult | 771 |
Contact
217-965-1566
Description
This water supply lake was built in 1968 by damming the west fork of Otter Creek. A sediment basin was created in the upper end of the lake in 2004 to improve water quality of the main lake. The lake is managed by the Otter Lake Water Commission. Most banks are steep-sided, and many are lined with riprap. The boat ramp is located mid-lake, on the north side of Emmerson Airline Road, and the park office/bait shop is on the south side of the road. Boat permits are required and may be purchased at the office/bait shop. Otter Lake has a 115 horsepower motor size limit. The lake is 765 acres, has a shoreline length of 39 miles, a watershed size of 12,985 acres, a maximum depth of 51 feet, and an average depth of 20 feet. The site has a concession stand/bait shop, campground, and picnic areas.Fishery History
Approximately 20 species of fish occupy this eutrophic impoundment. Otter Lake receives stockings of 10- to 14-inch muskie, 4- to 8-inch Largemouth Bass, and 2-inch Striped Bass hybrids.Site Regulations
Otter Lake has a 115 horsepower motor size limit and boat permits are required to launch/boat on the lake. Permits are available at the park office/bait shop.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; bow fishing is allowed
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily creel limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
Fish Attractor Map
