Prairie

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56091500

184 Surveys

Special Regulations for Prairie

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

Daily limit 10.

Invasive Species Alert

Prairie has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

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

1,004.41

Acres

22 ft

Max Depth

10 ft

Mean Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.52 lb	1
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.76 lb	24
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.76 lb	2
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	17.4 (above normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.67 lb	209
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.95 lb	1
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.8 – 7.0	1.07 lb	5
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.58 lb	13
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.49 lb	9
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.78 lb	13
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	10.2 (above normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.67 lb	51
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	2.9 (normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.53 lb	26
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.8 (normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.51 lb	19
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 5.1	0.65 lb	1
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.8 – 7.0	0.70 lb	20

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	6.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.62 lb	55
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	2.6 (normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.69 lb	23
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	11.2 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.55 lb	134
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	2.6 (normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.50 lb	29
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.65 lb	8
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.61 lb	19
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	11.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.44 lb	135
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	8.0 (above normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.33 lb	88
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	10.6 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.59 lb	53
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	10.2 (above normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.38 lb	102
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	5.6 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.43 lb	28
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	19.0 (above normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.46 lb	171
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	14.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 5.0	0.69 lb	172
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	3.0 (normal)	1.0 – 7.1	0.58 lb	36

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	7.0 (normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.64 lb	63
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	1.40 lb	4
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	11.0 (above normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.58 lb	132
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	1.02 lb	4
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	5.4 (normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.13 lb	49
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	1.89 lb	11
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	12.8 (above normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.31 lb	153
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	2.2	—	1.20 lb	24
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	8.6 (normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.31 lb	43
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	1.7	—	1.23 lb	17
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	11.8 (above normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.30 lb	59
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	1.06 lb	5
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	9.8 (normal)	2.0 – 10.8	1.25 lb	118
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	1.89 lb	6

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.24 lb	2
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.18 lb	2
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.19 lb	5
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.9	0.42 lb	1

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	4.8 (above normal)	0.8 – 3.8	1.45 lb	43
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.96 lb	2
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	5.1 (above normal)	0.8 – 3.8	2.65 lb	61
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	4.39 lb	2
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	6.8 (above normal)	0.8 – 3.8	1.13 lb	61
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	3.17 lb	1
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	8.3 (above normal)	0.8 – 3.8	1.52 lb	99
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	2.36 lb	2
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	0.8 – 3.8	1.47 lb	16
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	2.4 (normal)	0.8 – 3.8	1.58 lb	12
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 0.8	3.45 lb	6
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	4.8 (above normal)	0.8 – 3.8	2.01 lb	58
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	4.88 lb	2

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	3.4	—	0.29 lb	31
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.24 lb	4
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	2.6	—	0.22 lb	29
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.32 lb	2
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	4.2	—	0.24 lb	50
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.32 lb	1
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	3.2	—	0.25 lb	35
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	3.0	—	0.26 lb	15
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	4.2	—	0.20 lb	42
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	3.5	—	0.40 lb	21
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.30 lb	1
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.7	—	0.21 lb	15
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	3.2	—	0.32 lb	38
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	23.2	—	0.29 lb	139

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.6	0.58 lb	27
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.24 lb	12
2005-08-15	Standard electrofishing	44.0	—	1.32 lb	38
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.6	0.85 lb	13
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.60 lb	4
2019-07-29	Standard electrofishing	59.8	—	1.58 lb	38
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.6	0.96 lb	12
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.9 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.68 lb	11
2024-06-04	Standard electrofishing	30.6	—	1.65 lb	63
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	1.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.6	1.10 lb	14
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	1.7 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.26 lb	19
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 0.6	0.85 lb	3
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.59 lb	15
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 0.6	0.90 lb	2
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	4.15 lb	2
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	1.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.6	1.80 lb	14
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.61 lb	6

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	7.9	—	0.23 lb	71
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	48.8 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.11 lb	439
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	15.5	—	0.18 lb	186
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	55.2 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.08 lb	607
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	0.23 lb	12
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	27.3 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.17 lb	327
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	6.1	—	0.16 lb	73
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	31.4 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.11 lb	346
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	11.0	—	0.21 lb	55
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	35.4 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.17 lb	354
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	34.8	—	0.17 lb	209
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	19.2	—	0.18 lb	96
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	56.9 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.16 lb	512
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	18.9	—	0.24 lb	227
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	26.9 (normal)	3.5 – 57.1	0.18 lb	323
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	35.3	—	0.20 lb	212

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	3.4	—	0.26 lb	31
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.22 lb	20
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	6.8	—	0.21 lb	82
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.15 lb	12
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	2.9	—	0.25 lb	26
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	4.1 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.20 lb	49
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	13.9	—	0.21 lb	167
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	4.6 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.25 lb	51
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	13.2	—	0.21 lb	66
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	2.6 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.29 lb	26
2021-06-01	Special trap nets	3.0	—	0.35 lb	18
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.8	—	0.21 lb	19
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.23 lb	21
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	14.9	—	0.28 lb	179
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	5.3 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.28 lb	64
2024-06-03	Special trap nets	12.5	—	0.29 lb	75

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.11 lb	1
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	5.51 lb	4
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.05 lb	10
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.58 lb	2
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.25 lb	2
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	3.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.63 lb	34
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	6.20 lb	2
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.75 lb	6
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	5.21 lb	3
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.66 lb	8

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	3.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	1.29 lb	33
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.2	2.45 lb	2
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	6.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	2.51 lb	78
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	11.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	2.41 lb	107
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	1.08 lb	1
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	3.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	2.14 lb	40
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	0.88 lb	2
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	2.4 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	3.08 lb	12
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	3.00 lb	1
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 2.3	2.10 lb	4
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 1.2	3.12 lb	6
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.3	2.63 lb	49
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.2	3.86 lb	1

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.70 lb	4
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.82 lb	2
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	2.12 lb	1

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.20 lb	2
2013-08-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.58 lb	2
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.10 lb	3
2005-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.04 lb	2
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.35 lb	8
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	1.6 (below normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.44 lb	19
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.45 lb	2
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.37 lb	10
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.47 lb	3
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.75 lb	2
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.05 lb	2
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	2.1 – 24.1	0.51 lb	20
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.7 – 17.5	0.33 lb	1

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	1.3 (below normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.78 lb	12
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.71 lb	1
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.5 – 58.0	0.96 lb	2
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.66 lb	9
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.5 – 58.0	0.57 lb	4
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	6.6 (below normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.66 lb	33
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.5 – 58.0	0.53 lb	4
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	9.8 (normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.50 lb	49
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	4.3 (below normal)	7.7 – 104.7	0.55 lb	52

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-12	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.18 lb	1
2005-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.06 lb	7
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.17 lb	3
2001-08-06	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.08 lb	8
1984-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.4 – 2.8	0.24 lb	5
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	6.2 (normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.13 lb	31
1989-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.8	0.35 lb	2
1989-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.10 lb	1
2009-08-17	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	2.0 – 22.3	0.11 lb	39

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2019-07-29	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.8 – 4.3	2.49 lb	1
2019-07-29	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.4	8.03 lb	3
2009-08-17	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.4	3.77 lb	1

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-08-06	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.8	0.09 lb	1

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1984-08-06	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.2 – 1.8	1.58 lb	9

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 Prairie

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Prairie.

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 Prairie. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

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

Fishing Guides Near Prairie

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 Prairie

Weather forecast for Prairie — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.6011°N, 96.0721°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.

Prairie

Special Regulations for Prairie

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Walleye

Hybrid Sunfish

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

Bowfin

White Sucker

Smallmouth Bass

Black Crappie

Black Bullhead

Yellow Perch

Common Carp

Green Sunfish

Tullibee (Cisco)

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 Prairie

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Prairie

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Prairie