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McKay Lake

lakeLyon County, Minnesota · near Balaton167 acres32 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About McKay Lake

McKay Lake is a 167-acre lake near Balaton in Lyon County, Minnesota. It has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including black crappie and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.

Plan Your Visit to McKay Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 167 acres, near Balaton
  • Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: black crappie and yellow perch

Access & Fees

Public access
Public access on record
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses

Conditions

Surface area
167 acres
Shoreline
2.5 mi

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

No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.

Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
4
Game fish
2
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2025
Special regulations
No
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
No
View on DNR LakeFinder Buy a Minnesota fishing license

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Activities

FishingIce FishingPaddling

Amenities

None on record

Fish Species

Black CrappieYellow PerchBlack BullheadBrown Bullhead

Plan your trip to McKay Lake

Compare McKay Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

Best fishing lakes in Lyon County

See how McKay Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.

Best paddling lakes in Lyon County

See how McKay Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.

Best ice fishing lakes in Lyon County

See how McKay Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.

Nearby Lakes

Rock Lake

46 out of 100 Lake Score

Lyon · Russell379 acres

2 miles away

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Yankton Lake

48 out of 100 Lake Score

Lyon · Balaton403 acres

2.6 miles away

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Clear Lake

36 out of 100 Lake Score

Lyon · Russell66 acres

4.5 miles away

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Lake of the Hill

13 out of 100 Lake Score

Lyon · Garvin147 acres

6.1 miles away

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Iron Lake

30 out of 100 Lake Score

Murray · Current Lake282 acres

8.1 miles away

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Currant Lake

45 out of 100 Lake Score

Murray · Balaton406 acres

8.2 miles away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is McKay Lake?

McKay Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Balaton. It covers 167 acres.

How big and how deep is McKay Lake?

McKay Lake covers 167 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. The DNR has no depth on record.

What fish can you catch at McKay Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Black Crappie and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on McKay Lake?

Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.

Can you swim at McKay Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at McKay 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 McKay Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for McKay Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.