The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Buchanan Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 870 acres (1.4 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this morning.
About Buchanan Lake
Buchanan Lake spreads over about 870 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
From end to end it runs about 2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 7.1 miles. At about 1,320 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. New York Mills is about 8.8 miles northeast. The closest city is Fargo, about 65 miles away.
- Size
- About 870 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.1 miles
- End to end
- About 2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,320 ft
- County
- Otter Tail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Buchanan Lake in Minnesota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 43°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:21 am · sunset 4:50 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Buchanan Lake
- New York Millsabout 8.8 mi northeast
- Perhamabout 9 mi north
- Wadenaabout 19 mi east
- Frazeeabout 20 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 65 mi northwest
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Questions about Buchanan Lake
What fish are in Buchanan Lake?
Lakes like Buchanan Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Buchanan Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Buchanan Lake?
About 870 acres, with about 7.1 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Buchanan Lake?
New York Mills is about 8.8 miles northeast; Perham is about 9 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Buchanan Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Buchanan Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
