McDonald Lake
About McDonald Lake
McDonald Lake is a 561-acre lake near Dent in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including largemouth bass and black crappie. 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 2022.
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 29 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to McDonald Lake
- 561 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Dent
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- 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
- 561 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 295 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 2
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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
- 29
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 9, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to McDonald Lake
Compare McDonald Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how McDonald Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Big McDonald Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham992 acres
1.1 miles away
West McDonald Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas597 acres
1.8 miles away
Round Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent173 acres
1.8 miles away
Hoffman Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas157 acres
2.4 miles away
Grunard Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent121 acres
3.3 miles away
Paul Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham346 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McDonald Lake?
McDonald Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dent. It covers 561 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McDonald Lake?
McDonald Lake covers 561 acres with about 7.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on McDonald Lake?
Yes. 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 McDonald Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 McDonald Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for McDonald Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on McDonald Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 29 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does McDonald Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists 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.