Clitherall Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall. DNR lake ID 56023800.
Clitherall Lake is a 2,540-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall. Its deepest point reaches 69 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56023800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Clitherall |
| Surface area | 2,540 acres |
| Maximum depth | 69 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 9.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.6 ft, phosphorus 9.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Clitherall Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Clitherall Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 3.67 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.08 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.92 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.17 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 10.58 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 4.25 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.83 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 10.92 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 30.0 in (2020), Walleye 20.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Smallmouth bass 14 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
- Clitherall Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 2 trailer spaces. 5 mi SW of the city of Clitherall to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Lundeberg Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Crane Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Battle Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Belmont Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Siverson Lake 4.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ellingson Lake 4.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Stuart Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 4.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Clitherall Lake
How deep is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake reaches a maximum depth of 69 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake covers about 2,540 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Clitherall Lake?
Summer water clarity on Clitherall Lake averages 14.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Clitherall Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Clitherall Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Clitherall Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Clitherall Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Clitherall Lake.
How is the walleye population on Clitherall Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2020, walleye numbers on Clitherall Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Clitherall Lake?
Homes on Clitherall Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Clitherall Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Clitherall Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clitherall Lake?
Yes. Smallmouth bass 14 to 20 in must be released (one over 20 allowed).
Ask us about Clitherall Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.