Head Lake

Head Lake near 46.4845, -95.6194 is a lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Head Lake covers about 400 acres and reaches a recorded 26 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Head Lake Affect Fishing

Head 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 Head Lake

Fish reported from Head Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, brown bullhead, green sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Bass

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

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

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

Walleye

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

Northern Pike

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

Bullheads

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

Other Reported Fish

Other choices at Head Lake include these plans: work a tough soft plastic or cut bait near weeds and wood for bowfin.

How the Seasons Change Head Lake

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

A Simple Plan for Fishing Head Lake

On a first trip to Head Lake, 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 Head Lake

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

Head Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 400-acre Head Lake?

At Head Lake, 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 26-foot deep end of Head Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Head Lake 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 Head Lake?

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