Buchanan Lake

Buchanan Lake is a lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Buchanan Lake covers about 964 acres and reaches a recorded 42 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Buchanan Lake Affect Fishing

Buchanan Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Buchanan Lake

Fish reported from Buchanan Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Bass

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

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Buchanan, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Buchanan, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Buchanan, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads

For bottom fishing at Buchanan, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.

Rock Bass

At Buchanan, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.

How the Seasons Change Buchanan Lake

Spring at Buchanan 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 at Buchanan can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Buchanan Lake

On a first trip to Buchanan, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Buchanan Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Buchanan, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Buchanan Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 964-acre Buchanan Lake?

At Buchanan, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 42-foot deep end of Buchanan Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Buchanan is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Buchanan Lake?

Black bullhead is on the fish list for Buchanan, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.