Otter Lake

Otter Lake northeast of Sunset Lake is a reservoir in Macoupin County, Illinois. Otter Lake northeast of Sunset Lake covers about 765 acres, reaches a recorded 51 feet and holds about 15,563 acre-feet.

What Makes Otter Lake Different

Otter Lake covers about 765 acres and follows an old river or creek route. At Otter Lake, bends, points, shallow cover and the first drop give anglers clear places to compare.

The fish reported from Otter Lake include muskellunge, wiper, largemouth bass, and white crappie, giving anglers more than one useful way to fish this water.

Fish and Baits at Otter Lake

Fish reported from Otter Lake northeast of Sunset Lake include bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, white bass, white crappie, and wiper. Stocking records for Otter Lake northeast of Sunset Lake also list muskellunge and wiper, though that does not mean those fish will be easy to catch on every trip.

Bass

For bass at Otter northeast of Sunset, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Otter northeast of Sunset, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, redear or other sunfish.

Walleye and Open-Water Fish

For roaming fish at Otter northeast of Sunset, follow shad with a spoon, jig or small crankbait for white bass, and use a shad-colored swimbait, spoon or trolling lure around open-water baitfish for wipers.

Muskellunge and Pike

For large predators at Otter northeast of Sunset, throw a bucktail, jerkbait or large rubber lure along points and weed edges for muskellunge.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Otter northeast of Sunset, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish.

Where to Start at Otter Lake

Pick one part of Otter Lake and fish it slowly. At Otter Lake, start with a moving lure on a point or cover edge, then use a jig, worm or minnow around the exact depth that produces a bite.

On a first trip to Otter northeast of Sunset, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Fishing Otter Lake Through the Year

Spring around Otter northeast of Sunset is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around Otter northeast of Sunset can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

Tackle for Otter Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Otter northeast of Sunset, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for pike or muskellunge.

Otter Lake FAQs

What is a good first area to try at Otter Lake?

At Otter Lake, choose one point, weed edge, patch of wood or old-channel bend near deeper water and test a few lure depths before making a long move.

How should anglers use the depth information for Otter Lake?

The deepest number for Otter Lake is only a guide. Fish at Otter Lake still need comfortable water, cover or nearby food.

Which fish makes a useful starting target at Otter Lake?

Muskellunge fits the reported information for Otter Lake, so begin with a lure and spot that suit that fish rather than guessing.