Buchanan
Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56020900
Invasive Species Alert
Buchanan has confirmed populations of:
- zebra mussel
Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.
DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Buchanan. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
Black Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (below normal) | 1.5 – 58.0 | 0.78 lb | 8 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 2.7 (below normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 1.09 lb | 16 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 1.97 lb | 1 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (below normal) | 1.5 – 58.0 | 1.17 lb | 10 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 3.4 (below normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 1.02 lb | 31 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 2.06 lb | 5 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 1.92 lb | 1 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 10.5 (normal) | 7.7 – 104.7 | 1.31 lb | 63 |
Brown Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.4 – 5.1 | 1.00 lb | 1 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.8 – 7.0 | 0.60 lb | 5 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 5.1 | 0.97 lb | 2 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.4 – 5.1 | 1.07 lb | 3 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 4.2 (normal) | 0.8 – 7.0 | 1.28 lb | 38 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.8 – 7.0 | 1.83 lb | 3 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.4 – 5.1 | 1.51 lb | 3 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 0.8 – 7.0 | 1.14 lb | 5 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 5.1 | 0.85 lb | 2 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 5.7 (normal) | 0.8 – 7.0 | 1.39 lb | 34 |
Yellow Perch
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.8 | 0.11 lb | 18 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 22.8 (above normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.12 lb | 137 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 4.3 (normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.14 lb | 39 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.4 – 2.8 | 0.13 lb | 3 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 31.6 (above normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.10 lb | 284 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 2.8 | 0.14 lb | 2 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (below normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.10 lb | 15 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (below normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.07 lb | 16 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.8 | 0.24 lb | 6 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 11.7 (normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.15 lb | 140 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 2.8 | 0.15 lb | 2 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 3.7 (normal) | 2.0 – 22.3 | 0.09 lb | 22 |
Yellow Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 2.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.93 lb | 15 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 3.3 (normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 1.27 lb | 39 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 14.7 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.78 lb | 132 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 7.6 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.75 lb | 68 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 7.9 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.72 lb | 71 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 10.1 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.83 lb | 121 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 43.3 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.73 lb | 519 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 18.9 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.66 lb | 227 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 16.0 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.80 lb | 192 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 7.9 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.84 lb | 79 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 24.3 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.87 lb | 292 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 16.6 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.80 lb | 183 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 26.2 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.0 | 0.79 lb | 157 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 11.8 (above normal) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 0.76 lb | 141 |
Northern Pike
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 14.0 (above normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.58 lb | 84 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 | — | 1.09 lb | 8 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 10.2 (normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.48 lb | 92 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.6 | — | 1.86 lb | 14 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 7.8 (normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.91 lb | 70 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 12.1 (above normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.95 lb | 145 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 | — | 1.88 lb | 7 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 11.2 (above normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.50 lb | 134 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 1.66 lb | 4 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 11.7 (above normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 1.85 lb | 140 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 | — | 1.53 lb | 8 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 9.7 (normal) | 2.0 – 10.8 | 2.53 lb | 58 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 1.46 lb | 5 |
Walleye
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 10.0 (above normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 1.01 lb | 60 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 2.7 (normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 3.85 lb | 24 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 6.9 (above normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 1.48 lb | 62 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 2.27 lb | 4 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 4.9 (above normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 3.72 lb | 59 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 6.06 lb | 4 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.9 (normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 2.97 lb | 23 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 3.20 lb | 1 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 4.2 (above normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 2.19 lb | 50 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 6.69 lb | 1 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 8.0 (above normal) | 0.8 – 3.8 | 2.15 lb | 48 |
Largemouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.25 lb | 1 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.25 lb | 2 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.7 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.51 lb | 15 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.1 (above normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 1.52 lb | 10 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.07 lb | 7 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.42 lb | 6 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.5 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.25 lb | 18 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.57 lb | 6 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.26 lb | 6 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 1.18 lb | 5 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.39 lb | 1 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.54 lb | 7 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 1.5 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 1.32 lb | 9 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 2.1 (above normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.74 lb | 25 |
Pumpkinseed
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 2.8 | — | 0.21 lb | 17 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 12.4 (above normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.30 lb | 149 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.1 | — | 0.22 lb | 10 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 6.7 (above normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.26 lb | 60 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 8.0 | — | 0.19 lb | 72 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 18.7 (above normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.21 lb | 224 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 6.3 | — | 0.14 lb | 75 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 7.0 (above normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.17 lb | 84 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 2.9 | — | 0.16 lb | 35 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 8.5 (above normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.23 lb | 85 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 1.8 | — | 0.23 lb | 21 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 1.6 (normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.21 lb | 18 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 8.5 | — | 0.22 lb | 51 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 6.1 (normal) | 0.7 – 6.5 | 0.17 lb | 73 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 1.2 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 2.86 lb | 7 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 1.2 | 4.50 lb | 1 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 2.76 lb | 6 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 2.9 (above normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 2.52 lb | 26 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 2.91 lb | 7 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 3.86 lb | 3 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 2.78 lb | 15 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 2.0 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.3 | 3.01 lb | 12 |
Black Crappie
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 1.8 (normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.39 lb | 11 |
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (below normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.39 lb | 18 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.9 (below normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.30 lb | 8 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 5.1 (normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.27 lb | 46 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (below normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.23 lb | 12 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 1.9 (below normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.27 lb | 23 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.5 (below normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.20 lb | 18 |
| 2008-07-07 | Special trap nets | 2.0 | — | 0.62 lb | 24 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.7 (below normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.22 lb | 20 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (below normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.39 lb | 10 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.3 (below normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.26 lb | 13 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (below normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.39 lb | 12 |
| 1999-07-12 | Special trap nets | 2.5 | — | 0.47 lb | 69 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 2.7 (normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.46 lb | 30 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 1.8 (normal) | 1.7 – 17.5 | 0.29 lb | 11 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 2.7 (normal) | 2.1 – 24.1 | 0.10 lb | 32 |
Bluegill
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-06-08 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (below normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.42 lb | 18 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 15.7 | — | 0.17 lb | 141 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 100.1 (above normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.05 lb | 901 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 15.8 | — | 0.16 lb | 142 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 146.6 (above normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.15 lb | 1759 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 10.9 | — | 0.13 lb | 131 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 55.2 (normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.07 lb | 662 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 2.4 | — | 0.11 lb | 29 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 34.4 (normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.10 lb | 344 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 18.6 | — | 0.17 lb | 223 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 68.8 (above normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.07 lb | 757 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 27.8 | — | 0.17 lb | 167 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 102.2 (above normal) | 3.5 – 57.1 | 0.16 lb | 1226 |
Hybrid Sunfish
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 3.8 | — | 0.45 lb | 34 |
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 3.2 | — | 0.40 lb | 29 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 14.6 | — | 0.24 lb | 131 |
| 1987-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 38.6 | — | 0.24 lb | 463 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard gill nets | 2.1 | — | 0.32 lb | 25 |
| 2008-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.2 | — | 0.26 lb | 14 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 | — | 0.26 lb | 7 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 | — | 0.32 lb | 1 |
| 1999-07-12 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.43 lb | 1 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 5.0 | — | 0.24 lb | 30 |
| 1991-07-08 | Standard trap nets | 7.8 | — | 0.25 lb | 93 |
Rock Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.9 | 0.78 lb | 1 |
| 2004-07-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.9 | 0.49 lb | 1 |
Depth Maps & Lake Info
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Ben's Bait Shop
Battle Lake, MN
★ 4.6Carr's Lake Country Super Market
Ottertail, MN
★ 4.4Dunham's Sports
Fergus Falls, MN
★ 4.1Elizabeth General Store
Elizabeth, MN
★ 4.3Flagman Products
Fergus Falls, MN
JK-Outdoors
Fergus Falls, MN
★ 5Lakeland General Store
Pelican Rapids, MN
★ 4.8Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis
Ottertail, MN
★ 4Nearby Marinas
Resorts & Lodges Near Buchanan
Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Buchanan.
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Buchanan. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Buchanan
Other Lakes in Otter Tail County
Plan Your Trip to Buchanan
- Weather forecast for Buchanan — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 46.4495°N, 95.5554°W — Get Directions
- View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
- Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us
Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.