Clitherall Lake
About Clitherall Lake
Clitherall Lake is a 2,540-acre lake near Clitherall in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 69 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clitherall Lake
- 2,540 acres, up to 69 feet deep, near Clitherall
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 15.1 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,540 acres
- Max depth
- 69 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 805 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 4, 2008
- Most recent
- April 16, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clitherall Lake
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Belmont Lake
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Siverson Lake
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Ellingson Lake
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Stuart Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall. It covers 2,540 acres and reaches 69 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake covers 2,540 acres with about 14.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 69 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clitherall Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clitherall Lake?
Yes. Clitherall Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clitherall Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clitherall Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Clitherall Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Clitherall Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clitherall Lake?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Clitherall Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 4, 2008.
Does Clitherall Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clitherall Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.