Ethel

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56019300

110 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Ethel has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

191.12

Acres

64 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Ethel. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.24 lb	2
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	1.39 lb	11
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.02 lb	1
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.89 lb	6
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	1.02 lb	5
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.9	0.63 lb	12
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.9	1.04 lb	5

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	1.64 lb	6
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	0.83 lb	4
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	6.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.16 lb	61
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.0	1.14 lb	4

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	1.0 – 6.0	0.49 lb	29
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	5.0 (normal)	1.0 – 5.3	0.57 lb	45
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	9.3 (above normal)	1.0 – 6.0	0.43 lb	56
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	17.6 (above normal)	1.0 – 5.3	0.41 lb	158
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	10.8 (above normal)	1.0 – 6.0	0.40 lb	65
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	18.3 (above normal)	1.0 – 5.3	0.41 lb	165
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	1.0 – 6.0	0.71 lb	14
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	7.0 (above normal)	1.0 – 5.3	0.67 lb	28
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	3.7	—	—	4

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	6.3 (normal)	2.2 – 8.7	1.50 lb	38
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.68 lb	3
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	6.7 (normal)	2.2 – 8.7	1.14 lb	40
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	1.22 lb	4
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	14.5 (above normal)	2.2 – 8.7	1.08 lb	87
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	1.02 lb	7
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	12.3 (above normal)	2.2 – 8.7	1.51 lb	49
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	1.40 lb	1
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	4

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.2	—	0.31 lb	7
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	12.7	—	0.34 lb	114
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.25 lb	5
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	15.8	—	0.33 lb	142
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	2.5	—	0.22 lb	15
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	9.7	—	0.35 lb	87
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	4.8	—	0.09 lb	19
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.07 lb	3
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	2.9	—	—	29
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	—	3

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	1.0 – 5.0	2.91 lb	7
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	3.99 lb	4
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.0 – 5.0	2.66 lb	3
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.0 – 5.0	1.83 lb	8
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	1.0 – 5.0	1.47 lb	17
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	0.10 lb	1

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.5 – 1.7	0.73 lb	7
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.4 – 1.5	0.41 lb	4
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 1.7	0.96 lb	8
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 1.5	0.63 lb	11
2003-06-17	Standard electrofishing	100.5	—	0.83 lb	56
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 1.7	1.05 lb	8
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	1.9 (above normal)	0.4 – 1.5	0.53 lb	17
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.4 – 1.5	0.23 lb	9
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 1.7	0.50 lb	3
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	2

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.8	—	0.23 lb	11
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	33.0 (normal)	7.7 – 43.4	0.17 lb	297
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	3.5	—	0.31 lb	21
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	111.1 (above normal)	7.7 – 43.4	0.06 lb	1000
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	4.5	—	0.16 lb	27
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	74.1 (above normal)	7.7 – 43.4	0.10 lb	667
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	37.0 (normal)	7.7 – 43.4	0.12 lb	148
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	0.22 lb	5
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	5.5	—	—	6
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	47.6	—	—	476

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.0	2.18 lb	14
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.0	2.86 lb	10
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.5 – 2.0	3.12 lb	12
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.0	2.50 lb	1
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	2.5	—	—	25

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.68 lb	4
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.47 lb	5
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.69 lb	2
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.60 lb	7
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.35 lb	5
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.41 lb	15
1988-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.10 lb	1
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	1.2	—	—	12

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.5 – 13.8	0.10 lb	1
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.5 – 13.8	0.08 lb	1
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.10 lb	1
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	0.9	—	—	1
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	5.6	—	—	56

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2014-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	1.4 – 5.9	0.24 lb	15
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.23 lb	5
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	6.0 (above normal)	1.4 – 5.9	0.20 lb	54
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.24 lb	5
2003-06-17	Standard trap nets	2.9 (normal)	1.4 – 5.9	0.15 lb	26
1988-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.4 – 5.9	0.05 lb	1
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	3.5	—	—	35

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.0	0.07 lb	2
2003-06-17	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.04 lb	4
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	37.8	—	—	41
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	4.9	—	—	49

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.8 – 3.7	0.48 lb	2

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	19.2	—	192
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	3

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	3.7	—	4
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	1.1	—	11

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.2	—	2

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	143.3	—	1433
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	112.6	—	122

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	6.9	—	69

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	19.4	—	194
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	3

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	2.4	—	24
2017-06-28	Backpack electrofishing	44.3	—	48

BMS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	0.5	—	5

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-06-28	50-ft beach seine	5.0	—	50

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Henning, MN

(218) 210-8874

★ 4.8

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 495-2811

★ 4.3

Aqua Marine & Storage

Dent, MN

(218) 457-2325

★ 4.9

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Delagoon Park

Fergus Falls, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near Ethel

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Ethel.

Legacy Lakeside Resort & Event Center

Fishing Resort Clitherall

(218) 321-3150

MN Tru North

Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 346-5253

Paul Lake Resort

Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 234-9001

Shoreside at Rush

Fishing Resort Ottertail

(218) 234-2319

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Ethel. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Brown Bullhead Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Ethel

Gene's Sport Shop

Fishing Guide

(218) 346-3355

Lock Jaw Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 640-0158

Minnesota Experience

Fishing Guide

(218) 770-8032

North Country Bowfishing

Fishing Guide

Pit Properties LLC

Fishing Guide

(218) 205-5358

RED HOOKS FISHING ADVENTURES

Red Hooks Fishing Adventures

Fishing Guide

(218) 370-9006

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Plan Your Trip to Ethel

Weather forecast for Ethel — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.3574°N, 95.6244°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.

Ethel

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Black Bullhead

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Northern Pike

Hybrid Sunfish

Walleye

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

White Sucker

Black Crappie

Yellow Perch

Pumpkinseed

Green Sunfish

Rock Bass

BNS

Johnny Darter

Golden Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

Spottail Shiner

BCS

BKF

Iowa Darter

BMS

Mimic Shiner

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Ben's Bait Shop

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Dunham's Sports

Elizabeth General Store

Flagman Products

JK-Outdoors

Lakeland General Store

Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Aqua Marine & Storage

Ark & Spark

Battle Lake Boat Works

Delagoon Park

Resorts & Lodges Near Ethel

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Ethel

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Ethel