Big McDonald Lake
About Big McDonald Lake
Big McDonald Lake is a 992-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big McDonald Lake
- 992 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Perham
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 13 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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
- 992 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 368 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
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- April 1, 2016
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 16, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big McDonald Lake
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Nearby Lakes
West McDonald Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas597 acres
1.1 miles away
McDonald Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent561 acres
1.1 miles away
Hoffman Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas157 acres
1.6 miles away
Round Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent173 acres
2.3 miles away
Grunard Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent121 acres
2.5 miles away
Sybil Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas683 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big McDonald Lake?
Big McDonald Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 992 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big McDonald Lake?
Big McDonald Lake covers 992 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big McDonald Lake?
Yes. Big McDonald Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big McDonald Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big 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 Big McDonald Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big McDonald Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big McDonald Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2016 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Big McDonald Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big McDonald Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.