South McDougal Lake
About South McDougal Lake
South McDougal Lake is a 287-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to South McDougal Lake
- 287 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 287 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 287 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)
Best For
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South McDougal Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Middle McDougal Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella104 acres
0.8 miles away
North McDougal Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella273 acres
1.7 miles away
Stony Lake
21 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Happy Wanderer249 acres
2.7 miles away
Wampus Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella139 acres
3.4 miles away
Campers Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Happy Wanderer48 acres
3.5 miles away
Pike Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella77 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South McDougal Lake?
South McDougal Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 287 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South McDougal Lake?
South McDougal Lake covers 287 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at South McDougal Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South McDougal Lake?
Yes. South 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 South McDougal Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South 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 South McDougal Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for South McDougal Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.