West McDonald Lake
About West McDonald Lake
West McDonald Lake is a 597-acre lake near Vergas in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 62 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.2 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 20, based on 47 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to West McDonald Lake
- 597 acres, up to 62 feet deep, near Vergas
- 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 14.2 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
- 597 acres
- Max depth
- 62 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 183 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 20
- Years of record
- 47
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 30, 2018
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to West McDonald Lake
Compare West McDonald Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Hoffman Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas157 acres
0.6 miles away
Big McDonald Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham992 acres
1.1 miles away
McDonald Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent561 acres
1.8 miles away
Round Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent173 acres
2.1 miles away
Sybil Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas683 acres
3 miles away
Grunard Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dent121 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West McDonald Lake?
West McDonald Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. It covers 597 acres and reaches 62 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West McDonald Lake?
West McDonald Lake covers 597 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 62 feet.
What fish can you catch at West 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 West McDonald Lake?
Yes. West 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 West McDonald Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West 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 West McDonald Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West McDonald Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on West McDonald Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 47 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does West McDonald Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists West 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.