North McDougal Lake
About North McDougal Lake
North McDougal Lake is a 273-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. McDougal Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to North McDougal Lake
- 273 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at McDougal Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 273 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 273 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)
- Camping: McDougal Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 9
- Game fish
- 7
- 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
McDougal Lake Campground is mapped on or near North McDougal 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 North McDougal Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Middle McDougal Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella104 acres
0.9 miles away
South McDougal Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella287 acres
1.7 miles away
Campers Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Happy Wanderer48 acres
2.4 miles away
Pike Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella77 acres
2.6 miles away
Stony Lake
21 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Happy Wanderer249 acres
3.3 miles away
Wampus Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella139 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North McDougal Lake?
North McDougal Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 273 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North McDougal Lake?
North McDougal Lake covers 273 acres with about 5.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at North McDougal Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on North McDougal Lake?
Yes. North McDougal Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North McDougal Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North McDougal 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 North McDougal Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for North McDougal Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at North McDougal Lake?
Yes. McDougal Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.