West Battle Lake
About West Battle Lake
West Battle Lake is a 5,615-acre lake near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 108 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 17.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 126 Otter Tail County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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 crappie, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Battle Lake Public Beach on or beside the lake. 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 16, based on 52 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to West Battle Lake
- 5,615 acres, up to 108 feet deep, near Battle Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 18 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Battle Lake Public Beach)
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 5,615 acres
- Max depth
- 108 ft
- Shoreline
- 17.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 18 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,496 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Battle Lake Public Beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 52
- Earliest
- March 19, 2024
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- 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 West Battle Lake
Compare West Battle Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how West Battle Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how West Battle Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how West Battle Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how West Battle Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how West Battle Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Molly Stark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake152 acres
1.7 miles away
Annie Battle Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake354 acres
2.4 miles away
Clitherall Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Clitherall2,540 acres
3.2 miles away
First Silver Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake529 acres
3.7 miles away
Stuart Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vining740 acres
3.7 miles away
Blanche Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail1,296 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Battle Lake?
West Battle Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Battle Lake. It covers 5,615 acres and reaches 108 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Battle Lake?
West Battle Lake covers 5,615 acres with about 17.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 108 feet.
What fish can you catch at West Battle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on West Battle Lake?
Yes. West Battle Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at West Battle Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Battle Lake Public Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is West Battle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West Battle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on West Battle Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on West Battle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 52 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2024 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does West Battle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists West Battle 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.