Crane Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall. DNR lake ID 56029300.
Crane Lake is a 349.6-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall. Its deepest point reaches 43 ft, and about 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Crane Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56029300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Clitherall |
| Surface area | 349.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 43 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 58% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2019 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 9.8 ft, phosphorus 15.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Crane Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2019 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Crane Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1989 (37 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 | 0.67 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.33 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.38 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.67 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.38 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.67 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.62 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 18.88 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 4.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.75 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.12 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.38 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Belmont Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Clitherall Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hancock Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eagle Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lundeberg Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Middle Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Torgerson Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Crane Lake
How deep is Crane Lake?
Crane Lake reaches a maximum depth of 43 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Crane Lake?
Crane Lake covers about 349.6 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Crane Lake?
Summer water clarity on Crane Lake averages 9.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Crane Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Crane Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Are there lake homes for sale on Crane Lake?
Homes on Crane 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 Crane Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Crane Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 58% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Crane Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Crane Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Crane 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 1989), 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.