Recreation
Each of our hydroelectric sites have recreational opportunities for public use.
Dayton Hollow Dam supports boating access by providing portage access to waters above and below the dam. Shoreline fishing is also available at this location. Address: 17820 185th Street, Fergus Falls, MN.
Hoot Lake (Diversion) Dam provides portage access to waters above and below the dam, and shoreline fishing is available. River portage is also available at the rapids located downstream at the former Hoot Lake Plant site. Minimum river flow volumes from the dam are provided throughout the year to provide boating access for recreational activities. Address: 24338 Diversion Drive, Fergus Falls, MN.
Pisgah Dam supports boating access by providing portage access to waters above and below the dam. Shoreline fishing is also available at this location. Address: 640 Tower Road South, Fergus Falls, MN.
Taplin Gorge (Friberg) Dam supports boating activities by providing portage access above and below the dam. Shore fishing and picnic tables are available. Minimum river flow volumes are provided between the dam’s spillway and powerhouse to provide boating access in the bypass reach. Address: 22452 290th Street, Fergus Falls, MN.
Wright (Central) Dam connects to the City of Fergus Falls River Walk and provides limited access for shoreline fishing. Portage access is available upstream at Veterans Memorial Park, and downstream along the River Walk. Address: 202 South Cascade Street, Fergus Falls, MN.
We share the minimum flow requirements for Hoot Lake Dam and Taplin Gorge Dam as part of our Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. These flows protect river habitat and recreation in areas where water could otherwise be fully diverted for power generation.
Hoot Lake (Diversion) Dam bypass reach
Minimum flow requirement in cubic feet per second (cfs) |
Date |
30 cfs |
November 1 through March 31 |
150 cfs |
April 1 through Labor Day |
60 cfs |
After Labor Day through October 31 |
Taplin Gorge (Friberg) Dam bypass reach
Minimum flow requirement in cubic feet per second (cfs) |
Date |
30 cfs |
After Labor Day through March 31 |
54 cfs |
April 1 through Labor Day |
Two public gaging stations provide real-time data to monitor water flow on the Otter Tail River:
For additional information or questions on our hydroelectric sites, please send us an email.