West Battle Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. DNR lake ID 56023900.
West Battle Lake is a 5,615-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. Its deepest point reaches 108 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 18.3 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, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on West Battle 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 | 56023900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Battle Lake |
| Surface area | 5,615 acres |
| Maximum depth | 108 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 18.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 9.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 18.3 ft, phosphorus 9.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, West Battle Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on West Battle 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 | 2.13 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.8 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.4 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.33 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.87 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.33 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 4.0 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 5.4 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 5.93 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2020), Muskellunge 50.0 in (2016), Northern pike 28.0 in (2020), Walleye 25.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2016).
Public boat access
- West Battle Lake (W): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. 0.5 mi N of the city of Battle Lake on Cnty Rd 16 to W shore. Directions
- West Battle Lake (E): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 27 trailer spaces. 2.5 mi NE of the city of Clitheral to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Molly Stark Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Annie Battle Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Emma Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Clitherall Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Stuart Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Blanche Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lundeberg Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Silver Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about West Battle Lake
How deep is West Battle Lake?
West Battle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 108 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is West Battle Lake?
West Battle Lake covers about 5,615 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is West Battle Lake?
Summer water clarity on West Battle Lake averages 18.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does West Battle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes West Battle Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in West Battle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in West Battle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on West Battle Lake?
West Battle Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: West Battle Lake (W); West Battle Lake (E).
How is the walleye population on West Battle Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2020, walleye numbers on West Battle 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 West Battle Lake?
Homes on West Battle 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 West Battle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on West Battle Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 18.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on West Battle Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for West Battle Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about West Battle 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.