Franklin

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56075900

188 Surveys

Special Regulations for Franklin

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
Daily limit five.

Invasive Species Alert

Franklin has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

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

1,087.79

Acres

48 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	7.8	—	—	8
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	2.3	—	—	21
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	1.88 lb	2
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.47 lb	10
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.30 lb	1
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.30 lb	1
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.57 lb	11
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.04 lb	8
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	1.59 lb	5
1999-07-19	Standard electrofishing	18.0	—	0.39 lb	8
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.72 lb	1
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.27 lb	4
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	1.06 lb	5
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	2.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.22 lb	31

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	1.8	—	—	16
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	34.9	—	—	36
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.76 lb	1
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	5.5	—	0.23 lb	61
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.15 lb	26
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	10.2	—	0.17 lb	102
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	2.8	—	0.29 lb	22
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	12.0	—	0.20 lb	120
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	0.22 lb	4
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	7.3	—	0.29 lb	80
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	1.2	—	0.48 lb	14
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	6.2	—	0.30 lb	74
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	5.2	—	0.51 lb	26
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	1.0	—	0.57 lb	5

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	4.8	—	—	5
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.28 lb	1
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.22 lb	20
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	3.9	—	0.18 lb	31
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	5.6 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.16 lb	56
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.23 lb	26
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	1.5 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.18 lb	15
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.31 lb	1
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	0.26 lb	5
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	3.8 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.19 lb	42
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.27 lb	2
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	4.0 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.16 lb	48
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	2.2	—	0.30 lb	11
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	1.0	—	0.31 lb	5

Fathead Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	2
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	1.9	—	2

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	27.1	—	—	28
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	2.8	—	—	25
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	1.1	—	0.24 lb	10
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	14.8 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.12 lb	163
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	2.8	—	0.23 lb	22
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	54.4 (above normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.14 lb	544
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	20.1	—	0.29 lb	161
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	59.2 (above normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.18 lb	592
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	3.8	—	0.25 lb	34
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	5.4	—	0.26 lb	65
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	28.8 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.15 lb	317
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	5.5	—	0.23 lb	66
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	52.0 (above normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.06 lb	624
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	28.6	—	0.26 lb	143
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	17.0	—	0.30 lb	85

BST

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	1.0	—	1

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	—	3
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	3.03 lb	1
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.92 lb	1
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.96 lb	1

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	12.6	—	—	13
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	39.7	—	—	357
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.11 lb	2
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	2.4 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.09 lb	22
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.10 lb	2
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	7.1 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.10 lb	57
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	3.0 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.14 lb	24
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.10 lb	30
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.13 lb	7
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	5.1 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.14 lb	61
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.07 lb	27
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.07 lb	10

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	42.6	—	—	44
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	1.4	—	—	13
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.9 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.9	0.11 lb	10
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.9	0.02 lb	1

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	7.8	—	8
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	1.9	—	17

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	5.3 (normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.04 lb	48
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.9 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.78 lb	10
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	7.0 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.20 lb	56
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	1.0 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.81 lb	10
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	2.9 (normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.00 lb	23
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.53 lb	6
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	4.2 (normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.67 lb	38
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	13.8 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	0.80 lb	166
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.50 lb	3
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	6.6 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.31 lb	79
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.06 lb	8

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	2
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	4.8	—	5

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	1.0	—	1

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	1.0	—	—	1
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.9 – 10.0	0.82 lb	10
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	4.6 (normal)	1.5 – 7.7	1.04 lb	51
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	13.5 (above normal)	0.9 – 10.0	0.62 lb	108
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	20.7 (above normal)	1.5 – 7.7	0.57 lb	207
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	41.3 (above normal)	0.9 – 10.0	0.79 lb	330
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	14.0 (above normal)	1.5 – 7.7	0.72 lb	140
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.9 – 10.0	0.68 lb	18
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	8.1 (normal)	0.9 – 10.0	0.62 lb	97
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	9.8 (above normal)	1.5 – 7.7	0.61 lb	108
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	3.1 (normal)	0.9 – 10.0	1.29 lb	37
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	4.3 (normal)	1.5 – 7.7	1.23 lb	51

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	2

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	2.9	—	3

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	3.9	—	4
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	22.4	—	202

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	7.8	—	8

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	2.9	—	3
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	5.7	—	51

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.20 lb	2
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	4.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.66 lb	42
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	9.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 2.2	0.67 lb	76
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.81 lb	20
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	3.4 (above normal)	0.3 – 2.2	0.84 lb	27
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.2	1.03 lb	2
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.60 lb	1
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.2	0.79 lb	6
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.43 lb	4
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	2.1 (normal)	0.3 – 2.2	1.72 lb	25

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.45 lb	39
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	1.4	—	1.78 lb	15
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	10.0 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.32 lb	80
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	1.2	—	1.01 lb	12
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	10.4 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.19 lb	83
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	1.5	—	0.63 lb	15
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.79 lb	43
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	8.9 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.27 lb	107
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	1.6	—	1.17 lb	18
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	21.3 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.33 lb	256
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	1.8	—	1.73 lb	21

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.27 lb	3
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.31 lb	7
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.40 lb	4
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.46 lb	9
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.18 lb	5
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.0	1.13 lb	1
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.72 lb	2
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.49 lb	5
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.84 lb	2
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.75 lb	6

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	7.34 lb	2

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.11 lb	10
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	2.4 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.56 lb	19
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.30 lb	1
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.84 lb	2
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	2.22 lb	22
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.01 lb	8

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.90 lb	3
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	3.94 lb	1
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.42 lb	10
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.77 lb	3
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.43 lb	10
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.69 lb	3
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	1.54 lb	13
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.54 lb	10
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.73 lb	8

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.41 lb	6
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.47 lb	2
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.44 lb	9
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.70 lb	2
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.47 lb	9
2021-05-01	Special trap nets	6.2	—	0.79 lb	74
2024-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.39 lb	8
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.21 lb	2
1999-07-19	Special trap nets	5.4	—	0.65 lb	141
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.44 lb	5
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.30 lb	13
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	7.2 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.09 lb	86

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2020-07-27	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.0	4.79 lb	7
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.0	3.67 lb	6
1990-07-17	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.0	4.62 lb	6
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.0	4.42 lb	6
2012-07-23	Standard trap nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.4 – 1.0	5.08 lb	17

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1986-07-14	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.3 – 2.8	0.61 lb	16
1986-07-14	Standard gill nets	16.6 (above normal)	0.6 – 9.5	0.67 lb	133
1990-07-17	Standard gill nets	2.1 (normal)	0.6 – 9.5	0.65 lb	17
1999-07-19	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.8	0.34 lb	1
1999-07-19	Standard gill nets	4.1 (normal)	0.6 – 9.5	0.75 lb	49
2012-07-23	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.6 – 9.5	1.49 lb	5

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 Franklin

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Franklin.

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 Franklin. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Brown Bullhead Common Carp Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Franklin

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 Franklin

Weather forecast for Franklin — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.6433°N, 95.9724°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.

Franklin

Special Regulations for Franklin

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Largemouth Bass

Hybrid Sunfish

Pumpkinseed

Fathead Minnow

Bluegill

BST

Smallmouth Bass

Yellow Perch

Green Sunfish

Johnny Darter

Walleye

Iowa Darter

BNS

Yellow Bullhead

Tadpole Madtom

Golden Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

BCS

BKF

Spottail Shiner

Brown Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Common Carp

Tullibee (Cisco)

White Sucker

Black Crappie

Bowfin

Black Bullhead

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 Franklin

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Franklin

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Franklin