McFarland Lake
About McFarland Lake
McFarland Lake is a 386-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows McFarland Lake Swimming Beach on or beside the lake. McFarland Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to McFarland Lake
- 386 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish
- Average water clarity around 15.7 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (McFarland Lake Swimming Beach)
- Camping close to the water at McFarland Lake Campground
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 386 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 203 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 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach: McFarland Lake Swimming Beach
- Camping: McFarland Lake Campground
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
McFarland Lake Campground is mapped on or near McFarland Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to McFarland Lake
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Nearby Lakes
John Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland191 acres
1.3 miles away
Stump Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland254 acres
2.5 miles away
East Pike Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland554 acres
2.5 miles away
North Fowl Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,040 acres
2.9 miles away
Long Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland148 acres
3.1 miles away
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,026 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McFarland Lake?
McFarland Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 386 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McFarland Lake?
McFarland Lake covers 386 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet.
What fish can you catch at McFarland Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on McFarland Lake?
Yes. McFarland Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at McFarland Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (McFarland Lake Swimming Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is McFarland Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for McFarland Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at McFarland Lake?
Yes. McFarland Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does McFarland Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists McFarland Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.