Orwell

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56094500

152 Surveys

Special Regulations for Orwell

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

Daily limit five. (Up to Dayton Hollow Dam)

Invasive Species Alert

Orwell has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

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

607.58

Acres

25 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	1.6 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.44 lb	14
2016-06-13	Special trap nets	41.8	—	0.32 lb	209
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.16 lb	8
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	2.1 (normal)	0.7 – 4.3	0.42 lb	27
2005-06-13	Special trap nets	21.1	—	0.33 lb	211
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.7 – 4.3	0.45 lb	8
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.37 lb	16
2024-05-13	Standard electrofishing	273.9	—	0.39 lb	76
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.22 lb	6
1999-06-21	Special trap nets	15.8	—	0.46 lb	316
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.7 – 4.3	0.46 lb	9
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.0 – 10.5	0.15 lb	10
2010-06-10	Special trap nets	5.3	—	0.66 lb	126
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	3.8 (normal)	0.7 – 4.3	0.68 lb	46

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	3.6 – 11.0	2.45 lb	4
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	3.6 – 11.0	5.50 lb	2
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	3.6 – 11.0	1.54 lb	8
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.6 – 11.0	2.42 lb	4
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.6 – 11.0	3.10 lb	4

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	18.2 (normal)	1.0 – 38.0	0.44 lb	164
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	7.8 (normal)	1.0 – 38.0	0.37 lb	93
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	3.9 (normal)	0.5 – 11.3	0.42 lb	51
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	3.2 (normal)	0.5 – 11.3	0.29 lb	38
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	2.6 (normal)	1.0 – 38.0	0.31 lb	13
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.4 (normal)	1.0 – 38.0	0.18 lb	13
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.5 – 11.3	0.61 lb	12
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	11.1 (normal)	1.0 – 38.0	0.53 lb	133

BIB

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	11.96 lb	1
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	7.62 lb	13

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.5	1.14 lb	4
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	1.79 lb	1
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.7 – 3.5	0.53 lb	10
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	2.4 (normal)	0.7 – 3.5	0.41 lb	12
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	2.5 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.37 lb	30
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.5	1.35 lb	5
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.7 – 3.5	0.76 lb	18
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.95 lb	2
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.7 – 3.5	0.70 lb	14
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.85 lb	3

Channel Catfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	12.0	—	2.87 lb	108
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	1.11 lb	4
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	1.1	—	1.39 lb	13
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	5.6	—	3.63 lb	50
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.86 lb	4
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	9.7	—	1.77 lb	116
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	1.43 lb	6

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	6.3 (above normal)	1.0 – 3.2	0.87 lb	57
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	4.1 (above normal)	1.0 – 3.2	1.88 lb	49
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	2.34 lb	1
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	7.1 (above normal)	1.0 – 3.2	0.84 lb	64
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.0 – 3.2	1.29 lb	18
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	5.3 (above normal)	1.0 – 3.2	1.03 lb	63
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.80 lb	1

GRR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	2.58 lb	2
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	1.60 lb	3
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	3.1	—	1.82 lb	40
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	1.22 lb	5
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	4.20 lb	5
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.9	—	1.11 lb	11
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.86 lb	2

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.43 lb	2
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	1.33 lb	2
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.1	—	2.09 lb	10
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.43 lb	3
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.08 lb	1
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	1.11 lb	5
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	0.64 lb	6

Shorthead Redhorse

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	2.1 (normal)	0.2 – 2.2	1.64 lb	19
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	4.2 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.2	0.99 lb	50
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	2.5 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	0.98 lb	32
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.2 – 2.2	1.42 lb	9
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.06 lb	7
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	4.8 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.2	0.71 lb	43
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	5.6 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.2	0.83 lb	67
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	0.83 lb	11
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.2 – 2.2	0.96 lb	9
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.42 lb	16

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	13.0 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.8	2.38 lb	117
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	6.5 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.8	1.71 lb	78
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	5.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	2.38 lb	72
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	3.2 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.8	2.21 lb	16
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	2.09 lb	45
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	9.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.8	2.88 lb	82
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	0.2 – 2.8	2.29 lb	27
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	3.09 lb	9
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	7.4 (above normal)	0.2 – 2.8	1.98 lb	89
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	2.92 lb	2

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 7.0	0.33 lb	3
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.4 – 5.0	0.44 lb	2
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.4 – 5.0	0.40 lb	1
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 7.0	0.97 lb	2
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.4 – 5.0	0.56 lb	1
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.6 – 7.0	0.55 lb	5
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	1.1 (below normal)	1.4 – 5.0	0.63 lb	13

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.25 lb	9
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	13.3 (normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.27 lb	159
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.29 lb	3
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.15 lb	6
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	1.4 (below normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.27 lb	7
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.04 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.26 lb	10
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	7.3 (normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.32 lb	87
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.3	0.04 lb	1
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	3.8 – 22.8	0.08 lb	6

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.85 lb	1
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.09 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.20 lb	5

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.16 lb	7
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	2.9 (below normal)	4.0 – 28.1	0.22 lb	37
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	4.0 – 28.1	0.07 lb	10
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.20 lb	6
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.04 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.5 (below normal)	4.0 – 28.1	0.29 lb	15
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.14 lb	2
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	3.7 (below normal)	4.0 – 28.1	0.18 lb	44

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.21 lb	2
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.25 lb	5
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.10 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	0.08 lb	5
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.24 lb	1
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	0.26 lb	9

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.03 lb	2
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 2.0	0.15 lb	2
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.1 – 2.0	0.10 lb	8
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.04 lb	1

SLR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	6.7	—	1.91 lb	87
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	6.9	—	0.65 lb	83
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	2.0	—	0.85 lb	24
1985-06-20	Standard gill nets	5.6	—	1.35 lb	28
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	2.5	—	0.92 lb	25
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	15.0	—	0.62 lb	180
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	1.17 lb	1
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	1.36 lb	2

GLR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.64 lb	6
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	2.50 lb	2
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.1	—	2.47 lb	10
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	1.62 lb	6
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.24 lb	2

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	2.37 lb	1
2023-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.51 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.43 lb	1

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.97 lb	4
2005-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.12 lb	1
2005-06-13	Special trap nets	1.3	—	1.88 lb	13
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.60 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.77 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.48 lb	3
2010-06-10	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	1.72 lb	2
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.6	1.91 lb	1

Freshwater Drum

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2005-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.18 lb	2

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-06-20	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	0.09 lb	7

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2010-06-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 4.3	0.64 lb	1

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 Orwell

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Orwell.

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 Orwell. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Bigmouth Buffalo Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Channel Catfish Common Carp Golden Redhorse Greater Redhorse Northern Pike Rock Bass Shorthead Redhorse Smallmouth Bass Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Orwell

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 Orwell

Weather forecast for Orwell — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.2184°N, 96.1583°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.

Orwell

Special Regulations for Orwell

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Black Crappie

Northern Pike

Black Bullhead

BIB

White Sucker

Channel Catfish

Walleye

GRR

Smallmouth Bass

Shorthead Redhorse

Common Carp

Yellow Bullhead

Yellow Perch

Rock Bass

Bluegill

Hybrid Sunfish

Green Sunfish

SLR

GLR

Bowfin

Largemouth Bass

Freshwater Drum

Tadpole Madtom

Brown 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 Orwell

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Orwell

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Orwell