---
type: lake
name: "Clitherall Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Clitherall"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 2540
max_depth_ft: 69
latitude: 46.24779
longitude: -95.66778
lake_score: 72
dnr_lake_id: "56023800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/clitherall-lake
---

# Clitherall Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Clitherall

- **Surface Area**: 2,540 acres
- **Max Depth**: 69 ft
- **Shoreline**: 14.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 15.1 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 72/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, township
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 16
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Smallmouth Bass**: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Picnicking

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Picnic Area

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 13
- **Years of record**: 19
- **Earliest**: 2024-03-15
- **Latest**: 2008-05-04

## Nearby Lakes

- [Crane Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/crane-lake) - 2.4 miles, 350 acres
- [West Battle Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/west-battle-lake) - 3.2 miles, 5,615 acres
- [Belmont Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/belmont-lake) - 3.7 miles, 285 acres
- [Siverson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/siverson-lake) - 4.4 miles, 138 acres
- [Ellingson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/ellingson-lake) - 4.5 miles, 151 acres
- [Stuart Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/stuart-lake) - 4.5 miles, 740 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.24779,-95.66778)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56023800)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/clitherall-lake)*