Otter Tail river pike

[DEADhead]

I caught this pike while targeting a bunch of buffalo and carp holding in the shallows, early friday morning. At first I thought it was a big carp, especially after a couple of blazing runs that made my reel scream. I tried to my hardest to keep this fish out of the main channel, otherwise I knew I'd lose it. After about 15 minutes, and at least 4 solid runs, I finally tired the fish enough to land it near shore.

As I was fishing by myself from shore, I decided to keep the fish in the water and not handle it to reduce stress. I measured 38" alongside the fish. I'm sure a proper measurement and tail pinch could have gotten me another inch or two.

I had a few more strikes and runs similar to this after I caught this fish. I ended up catching another fish of similar size, but after the strike, it spit the hook and lodged it in the dorsal fin area. Once the fish broke to the main channel I broke the line off, since I knew it would be near impossible to land it without hurting it.

[PikeKing]

Nice fish Dead head. Ill be heading up to Ottertail on saturday for a week. Just wondering if you wouldnt mind telling me which part of the river you were on? If not i understand. I was thinking of trying the section that runs between Ottertail and Rush lakes. Do you know if there is a decent population of Pike in that area? Thanks for any help.

Tom

[DEADhead]

I've never fished that section before, so I don't know what the pike population is like. I've fished upstream a ways near frazee and then sections south of fergus falls.

I can tell you that the spot I caught the fish was somewhere between fergus falls and breckenridge