McDonald Lake
About McDonald Lake
McDonald Lake is an 86-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to McDonald Lake
- 86 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 86 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 86 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 carry-in access
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to McDonald Lake
Compare McDonald Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Dick Lake
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1.4 miles away
Two Island Lake
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Ball Club Lake
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Kemo Lake
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Cascade Lake
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Devil Track Lake
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5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McDonald Lake?
McDonald Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 86 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McDonald Lake?
McDonald Lake covers 86 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on McDonald Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at McDonald Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at McDonald 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 McDonald Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for McDonald Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.