---
type: lake
name: "Little McDonald Lake"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Perham"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1316
max_depth_ft: 109
latitude: 46.6092
longitude: -95.70531
lake_score: 70
dnr_lake_id: "56032800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/little-mcdonald-lake
---

# Little McDonald Lake

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham

- **Surface Area**: 1,316 acres
- **Max Depth**: 109 ft
- **Shoreline**: 8.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 22.4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 70/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 14
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2020
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Walleye**: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 20
- **Years of record**: 57
- **Earliest**: 2000-04-05
- **Latest**: 1996-05-11

## Nearby Lakes

- [Paul Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/paul-lake) - 0.9 miles, 346 acres
- [Moenkedick Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/moenkedick-lake) - 1.3 miles, 103 acres
- [Grunard Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/grunard-lake) - 1.7 miles, 121 acres
- [Devils Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/devils-lake) - 2.6 miles, 355 acres
- [Big McDonald Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/big-mcdonald-lake) - 3.5 miles, 992 acres
- [Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/long-lake) - 3.8 miles, 1,289 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.6092,-95.70531)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56032800)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/little-mcdonald-lake)*