Minnesota · Otter Tail County
Clitherall Lake Fishing guide
Clitherall Lake covers 2,540 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, reaching 69 ft at its deepest point. Average water clarity runs about 15.1 ft. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 11 times, most recently in 2024, with walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeLast stocked 2025Good numbers5.3per gill net15"Typical25"Biggest
Lengths measured · 75 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 75 fish
2024Lengths measured · 44 fish
2020Lengths measured · 61 fish
2016Lengths measured · 101 fish
2012Largemouth bassPresent3.9per gill net9"Typical18"Biggest
Lengths measured · 91 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 91 fish
2024Lengths measured · 51 fish
2020Lengths measured · 85 fish
2016Lengths measured · 268 fish
2012Northern pikeJust a few3.5per gill net21"Typical31"Biggest
Lengths measured · 47 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 47 fish
2024Lengths measured · 97 fish
2020Lengths measured · 58 fish
2016Lengths measured · 154 fish
2012BluegillJust a few24.8per trap net6"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 310 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 310 fish
2024Lengths measured · 127 fish
2020Lengths measured · 911 fish
2016Lengths measured · 778 fish
2012CrappieJust a few2.5per trap net9"Typical12"Biggest
Lengths measured · 40 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 40 fish
2024Lengths measured · 14 fish
2020Lengths measured · 38 fish
2016Lengths measured · 178 fish
2012Yellow perchFair numbers2per gill net5"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 24 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 24 fish
2024Lengths measured · 95 fish
2020Lengths measured · 84 fish
2016Lengths measured · 66 fish
2012Rock bassOne of the best around4.9per trap net7"Typical9"Biggest
Lengths measured · 126 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 126 fish
2024Lengths measured · 131 fish
2020Lengths measured · 332 fish
2016Lengths measured · 298 fish
2012Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish Clitherall Lake through the year
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds. At 15.1 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Walleye are setting up on the outside weed edge, points and shallow structure.
- Summer
- Walleye are working the weed edge, points and any wind-blown structure. On a lake that drops to 69 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows.
Largemouth bass
- Spring
- Largemouth are moving up into the warming bays and flats, staging around wood, docks and new weeds to spawn. At 15.1 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Largemouth are on the shallow spawning flats and protected bays, where beds go on firm bottom next to isolated cover.
- Summer
- Largemouth are in and along the weeds: cabbage and milfoil edges, matted cover and shade. On a lake that drops to 69 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Largemouth are chasing bait back onto the flats and into the remaining green weeds, feeding hard and shallow before the freeze.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Walleye | Largemouth bass | Smallmouth bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25" | 18" | 20" |
| 2020 | 20" | 15" | 16" |
| 2016 | 25" | 15" | 17" |
| 2012 | 25" | 15" | 16" |
| 2009 | 27" | 15" | 17" |
| 2006 | 26" | 20" | 19" |
| 2003 | 27" | 15" | — |
| 2000 | 24" | 16" | 10" |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Leadcore Line + Crankbaits
4–5" mid-diving crankbait behind a long leadcore run
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Texas-Rigged Worm
7" ribbon-tail or straight-tail plastic worm
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Free Rig
Creature bait or magnum finesse worm
Smallmouth bass · Soft plastics
Drop Shot (Finesse Plastic)
4" finesse worm or 3" minnow-profile plastic
Smallmouth bass · Jigs & bladed
Tail Spinner
Compact lead body with a free-spinning blade on the tail
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 23,700 fingerlings · 463 yearlings · 153 adults |
| 2024 | Walleye | 15,000 fingerlings · 3,930 adults |
| 2023 | Walleye | 12,265 fingerlings · 4,254 yearlings |
| 2022 | Walleye | 11,195 fingerlings · 322 yearlings |
| 2021 | Walleye | 2,514 adults |
| 2020 | Walleye | 15,950 fingerlings |
| 2019 | Walleye | 805,000 fry |
| 2018 | Walleye | 805,000 fry |
| 2017 | Walleye | 805,000 fry |
| 2016 | Walleye | 17,325 fingerlings |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2024 survey
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 2024 lake survey was 15.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 9.3 to 19.0 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.
Read the full DNR narrative
A standard survey was conducted to analyze the gamefish populations of Clitherall Lake.
Walleye abundance increased from the previous two surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 9.5 to 22.8 inches with an average length and weight of 14.8 inches and 1.2 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.5 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance is at a moderate level. Pike ranged in length from 12.5 to 31.7 inches with an average length and weight of 22.1 inches and 2.3 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 25.4 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 6.7 to 15.1 inches with an average length and weight of 11.6 inches and 0.9 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 12.0 inches at five years of age.
Bluegill abundance is moderate; however, inconsistent reproduction causes fluctuations in abundance and size structure. In this survey, 24% of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.2 inches at seven 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 was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2021. 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.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Clitherall Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Clitherall Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Clitherall Lake (trailer launch)
DNR bathymetry
Clitherall Lake depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- West Battle Lake · 5,615 ac · 3.5 mi
- Ellingson Lake · 151 ac · 4.8 mi
- Stuart Lake · 740 ac · 4.8 mi
- Molly Stark Lake · 152 ac · 4.8 mi
- First Silver Lake · 529 ac · 4.9 mi
- Elbow Lake · 188 ac · 5 mi
- Eagle Lake · 907 ac · 5.3 mi
- Annie Battle Lake · 354 ac · 5.6 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake reaches 69 ft at its deepest point; about 32% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Clitherall Lake?
Clitherall Lake covers 2,540 acres with about 14.8 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Clitherall Lake?
DNR Secchi readings on Clitherall Lake average 15.1 ft of visibility, clear water for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Clitherall Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2024) record walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Is Clitherall Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
Does Clitherall Lake have a public access?
Yes. Clitherall Lake has one public access site: Clitherall Lake (trailer launch).
How big do walleye get in Clitherall Lake?
The biggest walleye measured in recent DNR surveys taped 25"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 2000.
When was Clitherall Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Clitherall Lake in 2024, the most recent of 11 surveys on record.
Page updated .
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