Little McDonald Lake
About Little McDonald Lake
Little McDonald Lake is a 1,316-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 109 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 22.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There are 2 public boat launches (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 20, based on 57 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little McDonald Lake
- 1,316 acres, up to 109 feet deep, near Perham
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 22.4 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,316 acres
- Max depth
- 109 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 22.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 413 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 57
- Earliest
- April 5, 2000
- Latest
- May 11, 1996
- Most recent
- April 20, 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 Little McDonald Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Paul Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham346 acres
0.9 miles away
Moenkedick Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham103 acres
1.3 miles away
Grunard Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent121 acres
1.7 miles away
Devils Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham355 acres
2.6 miles away
Big McDonald Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham992 acres
3.5 miles away
Long Lake
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas1,289 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little McDonald Lake?
Little McDonald Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 1,316 acres and reaches 109 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little McDonald Lake?
Little McDonald Lake covers 1,316 acres with about 8.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 109 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little McDonald Lake?
Yes. Little McDonald Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little McDonald Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little McDonald Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little McDonald Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little McDonald Lake?
Yes. All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Little McDonald Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 57 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 5, 2000 and the latest is May 11, 1996.
Does Little McDonald Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little 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.