West Leaf Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56011400.
West Leaf Lake is a 700-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on West Leaf 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 | 56011400 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 700 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 37% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.5 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 65.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2024) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 7.5 ft, phosphorus 65.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, West Leaf Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: steady.
Fishing on West Leaf Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 4.67 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.45 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.33 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.56 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.89 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.18 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.82 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.64 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.22 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.73 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.56 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.36 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.36 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2022), Northern pike 27.0 in (2022), Walleye 24.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, 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 2024).
Public boat access
- West Leaf Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 6 mi N of Henning of on Mn Hwy 108, then W on Twp Rd to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Grass Lake 1.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Leaf Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Leaf Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about West Leaf Lake
How deep is West Leaf Lake?
West Leaf Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is West Leaf Lake?
West Leaf Lake covers about 700 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is West Leaf Lake?
Summer water clarity on West Leaf Lake averages 7.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does West Leaf Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes West Leaf Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in West Leaf Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in West Leaf Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on West Leaf Lake?
West Leaf Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: West Leaf Lake.
How is the walleye population on West Leaf Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2022, walleye numbers on West Leaf Lake ran mostly within 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 Leaf Lake?
Homes on West Leaf 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 Leaf Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on West Leaf Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 37% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.5 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 Leaf Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for West Leaf Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about West Leaf 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 2022), 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.