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The lake has a maximum depth of 108 feet and an average depth of 38 feet. It is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
West Battle Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, West Battle Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The lake is also known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions About West Battle Lake, MN
- How big is West Battle Lake?
- How deep is West Battle Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in West Battle Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the West Battle Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available West Battle Lake?
- Are there boat launches on West Battle Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near West Battle Lake?
- What is the average air temp for West Battle Lake?
- Are there any state parks near West Battle Lake?
How big is West Battle Lake?
How deep is West Battle Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in West Battle Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bigmouth Shiner, Blackchin Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Lake Whitefish, Logperch, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Spottail Shiner, Trout-Perch and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the West Battle Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available West Battle Lake?
Are there boat launches on West Battle Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near West Battle Lake?
Explore the West Battle Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in West Battle Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
West Battle Lake is a 5,624-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County. The city of Battle Lake, Minnesota abuts the west shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 108 feet; however, 44% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Water clarity in this lake is excellent; the secchi disk reading was 15.9 feet. Secchi disk readings have ranged from 8.0 to 19.5 feet in previous surveys.
The majority of the shoreline of West Battle Lake has been extensively developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the development. A DNR-owned public access is located on the east shoreline of the lake and a city-owned public access is located on the west shoreline. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along the south and east shorelines of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
West Battle Lake is a popular recreational and angling lake. The dominant gamefish species are Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Size distribution for these species appears to be good.
Walleye abundance is the lowest recorded for this lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 8.9 to 21.9 inches with an average length and weight of 14.5 inches and 1.2 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.3 inches at four years of age.
A moderate density Northern Pike population exists. Age and length data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 11.2 to 27.6 inches with an average length and weight of 19.2 inches and 1.5 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.2 inches at five years of age. In 2003, an experimental size regulation (24.0 to 36.0 inch protected slot limit) was implemented in an attempt to create a quality pike fishery.
Data from recent spring trap net assessments indicate that a quality Muskellunge population exists. Muskellunge sampled during the 2016 spring assessment ranged in length from 35.5 to 51.4 inches with an average length of 44.3 inches.
Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 5.5 to 16.9 inches. Age data indicate that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass attain an average length of 12.9 inches at five years of age.
Eighteen percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.5 inches at seven years of age.
Eighty-three percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies attain an average length of 9.5 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain or improve the quality of fishing for all species of fish in West Battle Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for West Battle Lake?
Are there any state parks near West Battle Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around West Battle Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Molly Stark Lake | 1.8 mi | 152 | 48 ft |
| Annie Battle Lake | 2.4 mi | 354 | 51 ft |
| Clitherall Lake | 3.2 mi | 2,540 | 69 ft |
| First Silver Lake | 3.7 mi | 528 | 43 ft |
| Stuart Lake | 3.7 mi | 747 | 49 ft |
| Lake Blanche | 3.7 mi | 1,296 | 64 ft |
| Elbow Lake | 4.5 mi | 188 | 46 ft |
| Lake Ethel | 4.7 mi | 190 | 64 ft |
| East Battle Lake | 4.8 mi | 1,985 | 87 ft |
| Ellingson Lake | 5.1 mi | 151 | 19 ft |
