West Leaf Lake
About West Leaf Lake
West Leaf Lake is a 700-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to West Leaf Lake
- 700 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Ottertail
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.5 feet
- 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 700 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 256 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to West Leaf Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail269 acres
1.9 miles away
Middle Leaf Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail404 acres
2 miles away
Donalds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail166 acres
3 miles away
East Leaf Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Henning423 acres
3.4 miles away
Buchanan Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail964 acres
4.1 miles away
Pickerel Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail71 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Leaf Lake?
West Leaf Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. It covers 700 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Leaf Lake?
West Leaf Lake covers 700 acres with about 6.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at West Leaf Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), 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 Leaf Lake?
Yes. West Leaf Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at West Leaf Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West Leaf 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 West Leaf Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West Leaf Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does West Leaf Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists West Leaf 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.