Minnesota Fishing Guide

West Silent

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56051900

152 Surveys

Special Regulations for West Silent

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Invasive Species Alert

West Silent has confirmed populations of:

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

346.55
Acres
58 ft
Max Depth
0
9
Fish Species
8
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on West Silent. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.8 1.04 lb 1
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 2.8 1.12 lb 5
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 9.5 0.96 lb 1
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.8 1.52 lb 1
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 2.8 1.38 lb 2

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.20 lb 2
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.55 lb 2
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 38.5 — — 231
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.10 lb 2
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 8.6 — — 6
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.16 lb 2
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 3.3 — — 3
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 1.2 — — 6
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 2.0 — — 6
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.29 lb 1
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.06 lb 4
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 6.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.03 lb 36
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 31.0 (above normal) 2.5 – 24.2 0.15 lb 62

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 2.2 (normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.58 lb 20
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 11.6 (above normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.63 lb 104
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 7.2 — — 5
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 2.4 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.61 lb 22
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 3.2 (normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.70 lb 29
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 16.7 — — 15
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.62 lb 21
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 5.9 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.61 lb 53
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 10.3 (above normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.54 lb 82
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.9 – 10.0 0.44 lb 4
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 7.3 (normal) 1.5 – 7.7 0.88 lb 44

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 8.3 (normal) 3.1 – 8.5 0.97 lb 75
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.2 — 0.84 lb 11
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 7.6 (normal) 3.1 – 8.5 0.95 lb 68
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 0.6 — 0.94 lb 5
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 0.4 — — 2
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 6.4 (normal) 3.1 – 8.5 1.15 lb 58
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 1.3 — 1.25 lb 12
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.4 — 1.61 lb 11
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 8.0 (normal) 3.1 – 8.5 2.28 lb 16
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.2 — 1.25 lb 1

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 9.0 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.43 lb 81
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 2.0 0.47 lb 5
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 2.9 — — 2
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 3.2 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.43 lb 29
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 32.3 — — 29
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 10.6 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.56 lb 95
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 4.1 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.55 lb 33
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 5.7 (above normal) 0.6 – 2.5 0.19 lb 34

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.5 3.14 lb 5
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 5.40 lb 2
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.5 2.20 lb 7
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.5 2.38 lb 7
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.95 lb 3
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 3.60 lb 3
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 10.5 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.5 1.31 lb 21
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 1.2 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.14 lb 7

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 0.53 lb 3
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.61 lb 2
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 0.6 — 0.41 lb 5
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 0.35 lb 8
2021-06-01 Special trap nets 0.6 — 0.43 lb 3

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 1.32 lb 8
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.22 lb 6
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 1.8 — — 11
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.2 1.09 lb 18
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 55.8 — — 39
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 1.6 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.27 lb 14
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 3.3 — — 3
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 3
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 2.3 — — 7
2019-05-31 Standard electrofishing 262.0 — 1.47 lb 89
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 1.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.58 lb 13
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.3 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.28 lb 10
2001-06-25 Standard electrofishing 104.3 — 0.45 lb 103
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 0.50 lb 1
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 1.5 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.18 lb 9

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 2.6 — 0.41 lb 23
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 25.4 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.09 lb 229
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 8.7 — 0.34 lb 78
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 143.1 — — 100
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 21.6 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.19 lb 194
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 5.7 — — 34
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 148.2 — — 133
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 7.2 — — 36
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 16.7 — — 50
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.41 lb 1
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 116.4 (above normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.08 lb 1048
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 64.0 (above normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.12 lb 512
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 22.5 (normal) 5.6 – 42.3 0.16 lb 135
2021-06-01 Special trap nets 55.6 — 0.21 lb 278

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.57 lb 1
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 4.3 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.26 lb 39
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.26 lb 2
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 1.4 (below normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.36 lb 13
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — — 1
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 11.1 — — 10
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 3
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 1.7 — — 5
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.32 lb 1
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 3.9 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.31 lb 35
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 2.6 (normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.21 lb 21
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 3.0 — 0.17 lb 6
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 11.3 (above normal) 1.7 – 8.2 0.19 lb 68
2021-06-01 Special trap nets 3.6 — 0.36 lb 18

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 3.05 lb 7
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 5.7 — — 4
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 1.8 — — 11
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.5 4.16 lb 3
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 3.34 lb 27
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 4.5 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.5 2.00 lb 9
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 0.50 lb 1

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.81 lb 5
2014-06-30 Special trap nets 6.4 — 0.81 lb 77
2014-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.28 lb 1
2019-05-13 Special trap nets 26.6 — 0.40 lb 133
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 1.42 lb 1
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 — — 1
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.45 lb 5
2001-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.32 lb 8
1975-07-08 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 1.50 lb 1
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.2 0.25 lb 3

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 2.2 1.11 lb 3
2010-06-28 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.3 – 2.2 1.58 lb 8
2010-06-28 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 1.82 lb 1
2005-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.5 1.12 lb 6
2005-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.2 1.49 lb 2
1975-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 1.50 lb 1

Spottail Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 1.4 — 1
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 18.0 — 108

BNS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 50.7 — 304
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 2.9 — 2
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 2.2 — 2
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 1.4 — 7

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 1.7 — 10
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 8.6 — 6
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 0.4 — 2
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 27.9 — 25

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 45.2 — 271
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 71.5 — 50
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 43.5 — 39
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 1.2 — 6

BKF

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 2.7 — 16
2017-06-19 50-ft beach seine 14.7 — 44
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 11.1 — 10
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 3.4 — 17

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 0.7 — 4
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 24.3 — 17

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 Backpack electrofishing 4.3 — 3
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 2.2 — 2

BCS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2010-06-28 15-ft beach seine 1.5 — 9
2017-06-19 Backpack electrofishing 3.3 — 3
2017-06-19 15-ft beach seine 1.0 — 5

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Ben's Bait Shop

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5596

★ 4.6

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Ottertail, MN

(218) 367-2550

★ 4.4

Dunham's Sports

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 739-5708

★ 4.1

Elizabeth General Store

Elizabeth, MN

(218) 739-2132

★ 4.3

Flagman Products

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 671-2640

JK-Outdoors

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 739-5299

★ 5

Lakeland General Store

Pelican Rapids, MN

(218) 863-5703

★ 4.8

Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis

Ottertail, MN

(218) 367-3626

★ 4

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Henning, MN

(218) 210-8874

★ 4.8

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 495-2811

★ 4.3

Aqua Marine & Storage

Dent, MN

(218) 457-2325

★ 4.9

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Delagoon Park

Fergus Falls, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near West Silent

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near West Silent.

Legacy Lakeside Resort & Event Center
Fishing Resort Clitherall

(218) 321-3150
MN Tru North
Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 346-5253
Paul Lake Resort
Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 234-9001
Shoreside at Rush
Fishing Resort Ottertail

(218) 234-2319

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit West Silent. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near West Silent

Gene's Sport Shop
Fishing Guide

(218) 346-3355
Lock Jaw Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 640-0158
Minnesota Experience
Fishing Guide

(218) 770-8032
North Country Bowfishing
Fishing Guide
Pit Properties LLC
Fishing Guide

(218) 205-5358
RED HOOKS FISHING ADVENTURES
Red Hooks Fishing Adventures
Fishing Guide

(218) 370-9006

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

240.56 acres

Alice

46.96 acres

Anderson

88.82 acres

Anna

598.19 acres

Annie Battle

354.4 acres

Bass

33.86 acres

Plan Your Trip to West Silent

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.