Otter Lake Access

Boat ramp to Otter Lake.

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch

Otter Lake is one of the nicest fishing lakes in the park. There is a boat launch suitable for canoes and kayaks.  Electric motors are permitted on Otter Lake year-round and are limited to two-horsepower. There are plenty of shallows, a few coves, and some deep water. The lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet which is affected by intermittent beaver activity. 

The lake is quiet, with pretty surroundings and only a few cottages. It is likely that you will see evidence of otters around the edges of the lake. Eagles have been spotted near this lake.

Fish species that have been found in the lake include- bluntnose minnow, common shiner, creek chub, sand shiner, white sucker, black crappie, largemouth bass, Johnny darter, yellow perch, coho salmon, northern pike, blacknose shiner, brown bullhead, banded killifish, bluegill, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, and Iowa darter.  

Join the 4.6 mile hike around the lake called the Otter Creek Loop of the Platte Plains trail at posts #2 or #3.

Paddle safe

Before going out for a paddle, check the weather. Have a boating plan and make sure others know it. Always wear safety gear, including personal flotation devices. Buddy up, don't go out alone. Check your boat and make sure it is safe for conditions. And always keep the shoreline in sight.

**Clean Your Boats**
Please clean, drain, and dry your boat after you leave any body of water, especially Lake Michigan, to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This is especially important for our inland lakes.

For more information on aquatic invasive species and their impacts to lakes, streams, and how we recreate please visit the following websites:
www.protectyourwaters.net
www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/nonnativespecies.htm