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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 2009 lake survey was 14.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 9.3 to 16.0 feet. The majority of the shoreline of Clitherall Lake has been extensively developed. The 1994 lake resurvey referenced 239 homes/cabins and five resorts. DNR owned public water accesses are located along the north and south shorelines. 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. Clitherall Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish-walleye type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, black crappie, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The walleye test-net catch rate was within the expected range for similar lakes. Walleye ranged in length from 7.4 to 27.2 inches with an average length and weight of 15.6 inches and 1.5 pounds. Walleye reach an average length of 14.5 inches at four years of age. The northern pike test-net catch rate exceeded the expected range for similar lakes. Age and length data from recent assessments indicate that northern pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 12.8 to 36.9 inches with an average length and weight of 20.1 inches and 2.1 pounds. Pike reach an average length of 26.0 inches at five years of age. Test-net catch data indicate that a high density largemouth bass population exists in Clitherall Lake. Bass ranged in length from 5.9 to 15.9 inches with an average length and weight of 11.4 inches and 0.8 pounds. Age and length data indicate that largemouth bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass reach an average length of 12.4 inches at five years of age. Data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that an abundant black crappie population exists. Size structure is also good with 77% of the sample measuring 10.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies reach an average length of 10.7 inches at six years of age. The bluegill catch rate was within the expected range. Bluegill size structure is also good with 46% of the sample measuring 7.0 inches or greater in length. 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. ?