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Rating depth structure for cisco (lake herring).
Shared by DepthScout anglers. Exact spots stay private, always.
925-acre lake near Oakland County. The lake tops out around 70 ft. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. Every species below gets its seasonal read from the same numbers driving the chart.
The drawn water covers 725 acres wrapped in 5.8 miles of bank. A middling shoreline index (1.5) gives it some bays to work without being a maze. The shallow band under 15 ft claims about 56% of the surface — that's where the groceries are. Figure 1.9 mi of water from one end to the other, 1.3 mi at the beam. It sits in Oakland County. Its nearest charted neighbour, Square Lake, is 2 mi to the southeast.
In spring, cisco (lake herring) run shallow here, mostly 10 to 40 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 21 to 70 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 60 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 70 ft, rated prime for summer cisco (lake herring). Time it for early morning. You won't need more than a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic most summer days.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (18 ft) | Small silver spoon, Tiny swim jig (white) |
| Summer | 21 to 70 ft | dawn | Deep basin (70 ft) | Vertical flutter spoon (small), Drop-shot micro plastic |
| Fall | 5 to 25 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (18 ft) | Small casting spoon, Inline spinner (silver) |
| Winter | 20 to 60 ft | dawn | Deep basin (70 ft) | Small jigging spoon (glow/silver), Tungsten jig + minnow head |
Count 8 structure marks on this chart. The deepest, Deep basin, sits near 70 ft.
Access data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) — community-mapped launches. Confirm conditions and fees locally before you launch.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for Michigan waters are set by the Michigan DNR — and special regulations can apply to Otter Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Michigan fishing regulations →
Otter Lake is about 70 ft (21 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target cisco (lake herring) on Otter Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 70 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in summer. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.
For cisco (lake herring), the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Otter Lake is regulated by the Michigan DNR. Check the official Michigan regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
Square Lake 2 mi · Cass Lake 2 mi · Elizabeth Lake 2 mi · Pine Lake 2 mi · Orchard Lake 3 mi · Watkins Lake 3 mi · Upper Silver Lake 4 mi · Loon Lake 4 mi · Orange Lake 4 mi · Union Lake 5 mi · Pleasant Lake 5 mi · Lake Oakland 5 mi
See how Otter Lake stacks up: best cisco (lake herring) lakes in Michigan
More water nearby: Oakland County fishing maps (78 charts). Browse all Michigan fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.