Within a 75-minute drive of Fergus Falls there are 60 fishing waters in our guide: 49 lakes and 11 reservoirs. Across these waters, 26 fish species are on record.

Closest to Fergus Falls: Swan Lake, 13 minutes away

Swan Lake is the shortest drive from Fergus Falls: 13 min (7 mi). The drive time is measured to the ramp: Swan Lake Public Water Access Site.

Also within a short drive:

26 fish species around Fergus Falls

Of all the species, Black Crappie is on record at the most waters — 62 out of 60. It is followed by Bluegill (62), Brown Bullhead (57), Largemouth Bass (55) and Black Bullhead (54).

All 5 are on record at Swan Lake, the nearest water for each of them — 13 min (7 mi) from the center.

102 boat ramps within reach

Around Fergus Falls you will find 102 boat ramps and 5 shore-fishing spots on the waters in this guide. The boat ramp closest to the city center is Swan Lake Public Water Access Site on Swan Lake, about 5.7 mi in a straight line.

3 waters at the top of the Fergus Falls list

Ranked by drive time, depth data, species records and access, the first 3 for Fergus Falls are:

  • Otter Tail Lake (reservoir): 14,030 acres, 16 fish species on record, max depth 120 ft (surveyed) and 6 ramps.
  • West Battle Lake: 5,561 acres, 16 fish species on record, max depth 100 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
  • Swan Lake: 730 acres, 15 fish species on record, max depth 40 ft (surveyed) and 1 ramp.

Lake Carlos goes down to 150 ft

The deepest water in this guide is Lake Carlos: 150 ft at its deepest point (surveyed). Other deep spots are Rose Lake (130 ft), Otter Tail Lake (120 ft) and Long Lake (120 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 60 waters.

Camping within reach of Fergus Falls

You can camp next to the water: 8 campgrounds are within reach of Fergus Falls. The closest are Swan Lake Resort & Campground (6.1 mi, by Swan Lake), Prairie Cove Campground (20.7 mi, by Pelican Lake) and Tipsinah Mounds Park Campground (21.7 mi, by Pomme de Terre Lake).