Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Clitherall Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
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Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Clitherall Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Clitherall Lake, MN
- How big is Clitherall Lake?
- How deep is Clitherall Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Clitherall Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Clitherall Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Clitherall Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Clitherall Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Clitherall Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Clitherall Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Clitherall Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Clitherall Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Clitherall Lake?
How big is Clitherall Lake?
How deep is Clitherall Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Clitherall Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bigmouth Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Mimic Shiner, Sand Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Weed Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Clitherall Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Clitherall Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Clitherall Lake?
Are there boat launches on Clitherall Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Clitherall Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Clitherall Lake?
![Minnesota Department of Natural Resources](/images/DNR_logos/mn_dnr.png)
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Clitherall 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
Clitherall Lake is a 2,493-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County approximately one mile south of Clitherall, MN. Clitherall Lake is connected to Crane Lake via a non-navigable inlet along the south shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 69 feet; however, 32% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2020 lake survey was 19.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 9.3 to 16.0 feet.
The majority of the shoreline of Clitherall Lake has been extensively developed. The development consists primarily of homes/cabins and resorts. A DNR owned public water access is located along the south shoreline and a township owned access is located along the north shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Stands of hardstem bulrush are scattered along the north and west shorelines. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush 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.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
Walleye abundance in the 2020 survey was slightly below the historical average. Walleyes ranged in length from 14.3 to 20.8 inches with an average length and weight of 17.6 inches and 1.9 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.1 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance is at a moderate level. Age data indicate that the 2018 year class is strong. Pike ranged in length from 13.0 to 30.4 inches with an average length and weight of 21.5 inches and 2.3 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.3 inches at five years of age.
A high density Largemouth Bass population exists. Age and length data indicate that Largemouth Bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 6.3 to 15.6 inches with an average length and weight of 12.1 inches and 1.0 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 12.1 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of 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 more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Clitherall Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.
What is the average air temp for Clitherall Lake?
Are there any state parks near Clitherall Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Clitherall Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Clitherall Lake.Have you been to Clitherall Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
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bob b.
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bill d.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Clitherall Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Unnamed Lake | 1.5 mi | 64 | |
Crane Lake | 2.4 mi | 350 | 43 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 3.0 mi | 12 | |
Unnamed Lake | 3.1 mi | 40 | |
Unnamed Lake | 3.2 mi | 30 | |
West Battle Lake | 3.2 mi | 5,565 | 108 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 3.3 mi | 30 | |
Unnamed Lake | 3.6 mi | 12 | |
Belmont Lake | 3.7 mi | 285 | 34 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 3.9 mi | 42 |