Otter Creek (Tama Co)

[Fedexguy]

Has anyone fished this lake for the yellows or panfish in general? Years ago a buddy and I used to hit hard for largemouth in the summers. I've been told most fish run pretty small and often few and far between. Bass eat them all ?

[New User Name]

I make a trip over there onoce a winter or so. Forty+ miles for me each way, so it is probably worth fishing, although I like road trips to different waters. 

The yellows bass fishing is alright in the winter (I have never fished it on open water), although they don't run as large as they do on Clear Lake. Sometimes I get in to some nice bluegill, too. The crappie I have caught in Otter Creek have all been small.

I was told by somone over there that Otter Creek is on the lake reclamation list. If true, hopefully the panfishing would be better after the yellows are killed off.

[Fedexguy]

Went over there Saturday for a few hours. Lot of fisherman, decent ice (early), and plenty of yellows top side. Didn't  catch any other species. Talked to few super nice guys that shared some information about the lake, but no mention of restoration. Until the next cold snap... hopefully 

[graybeard1]

I just read in the local paper a few days ago, they are saying it needs redone in the next 5 years. Nothing in concrete yet but they are getting money lined up. I've only been there once this year, it was a slow day, couple yellows and a few medium size gills.