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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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Otsego Lake

Otsego County, Michigan · about 1,850 acres (2.9 sq mi)

Good

42°F water, level 1273 ft, calm this afternoon.

Water42°F
Level1,273.3 ft
Wind today10 mphN
Best bite3:30 pmto 5:15 pm

About Otsego Lake

Otsego Lake is a lake in Otsego County, Michigan, covering about 1,850 acres.

It stretches about 4.6 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 11.5 miles. The water sits about 1,270 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Gaylord, is about 2.9 miles north.

Size
About 1,850 acres (2.9 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 11.5 miles
End to end
About 4.6 miles
Elevation
About 1,270 ft
County
Otsego County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise
  • 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph

Saturday Good

  • 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
  • 3:45 pm – 5:45 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

Expect the usual Michigan mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 42°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Good
    Northern pike

    Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Slow
    Smallmouth bass

    Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.

  • Good
    Yellow perch

    Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Back of a cove

    Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

5 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

42°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

1,273.3 ft

7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.

Latest reading .

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

Friday 37° / —° 10 mph N Slight Chance Snow Showers · 26% rain
Saturday 39° / 31° 10 mph NW Mostly Cloudy · 13% rain
Sunday 41° / 30° 5 mph NW Partly Sunny

Sunrise 7:33 am · sunset 5:11 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Otsego Lake

  • Gaylordabout 2.9 mi north
  • Mancelonaabout 17 mi west
  • Graylingabout 18 mi south
  • Lewistonabout 19 mi east

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Questions about Otsego Lake

What fish are in Otsego Lake?

Lakes like Otsego Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Otsego 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 Otsego Lake?

About 1,850 acres, with about 11.5 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Otsego Lake?

Gaylord is about 2.9 miles north; Mancelona is about 17 miles west.

What is the water temperature at Otsego Lake today?

The surface was about 42°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Otsego Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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