Kiting Ottertail?

[Jeff G]

Not sure if this weekend would be a good time considering the traffic, but I'd like to make a trip up there sometime this summer. So far Monday's forecast looks good for the Ottertail area. It seems like that region usually has stronger wind than we have around here. I was wondering if there are kite-friendly launches, if the launches are good on a SE, and if there would be too much boat traffic this weekend. Is anybody familiar with the area?

[Tighe]

I agree.

Ottertail is a sweet lake. Most likely Ed Jansen and Mark Johnson are up at their cabins this weekend. They usually love company on the lake. Mark is on the NE side of the lake so may be a bit shadowed on a SE but it would be onshore at Ed's and it's shallow at least 2000 ft out. There is also a park on the NW side that is a decent launch I've heard.

I'd be up for a carpool/road trip on Monday if is looks significantly better up that way.

[efjanssen]

Jeff: Come on up and check out OT sometime. The wind does blow, and the water is crystal clear with a shallow, sandy bottom. We had to head home early Monday AM to catch a grad party, but it did look like the winds were cranking up, although kind of stormy. As Tighe stated, anything with a little south in it works for our shoreline, and anything with a little north works for Mark's shoreline. There is a boat launch on the ne side of the lake that works well, although it is a popular swimming spot on nice days. There is also a spot on the south end of the lake, although I have never tried it. There is Amor park half way down the north side of the lake. I know a few guys have launched from there, but you would need to know what you are doing as it is tight and drops off fast.

You are always welcome to join us. I will not be up there much before the fourth as my son is busy with graduation activities and college orientation. I am sure we will pick it up after the fourth. Mark is up there all the time.

Shoot me an email at efjanssen@earthlink.net if you want and I can let you know when we are heading up.

[markjohnson]

Jeff, Like Ed said, I am almost always up there, and the lake is awesome. Call me at 651-357-3800 whenever conditions look good and you want to go. If I am available and it works out, we can do it.

[Jeff G]

Thanks Ed and Mark. It sounds nice. I'll keep it in mind the next time the forecast looks good up your way.