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Frequently Asked Questions About McFarland Lake, MN
- How big is McFarland Lake?
- How deep is McFarland Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in McFarland Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the McFarland Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on McFarland Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near McFarland Lake?
- What is the average air temp for McFarland Lake?
- Are there any state parks near McFarland Lake?
How big is McFarland Lake?
How deep is McFarland Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in McFarland Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Lake Whitefish and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the McFarland Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on McFarland Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near McFarland Lake?
Explore the McFarland Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in McFarland Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
McFarland Lake is managed primarily for Walleye, and secondarily for Smallmouth Bass. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the status of the Walleye and Smallmouth Bass populations in regards to long-range management goals identified for McFarland Lake.
Walleye abundance was about average compared to similar lakes in Northeastern Minnesota; however, it was the lowest ever observed for McFarland Lake. All Walleye collected in 2013 had been produced naturally, although no age groups appeared to be especially strong. As has been the case for this lake historically, the mean weight of Walleye was low compared to similar lakes primarily due to younger fish making up a majority of the sample. Growth rates of Walleye were about average for the area; fish averaged 11.3 inches in length at the end of their third year. Larger Walleye may be present in modest numbers as evidenced by a few fish over 20 inches in the 2013 assessment.
McFarland Lake continues to support a high-quality Smallmouth Bass population. Smallmouth Bass were abundant, and fast growing compared to similar lakes in the region. Ages 1-8 were all present in the sample indicating consistent reproductive success in the lake. A majority of the Smallmouth Bass collected in 2013 were over 12 inches in length, including fish up to 18 inches.
Northern Pike abundance and size in 2013 was about average compared to similar lakes in the area, but was above average for the lake historically. A majority of the Northern Pike sampled were two- and three-year-old fish that exhibited average growth rates for this lake type. However, there are likely a few larger Northern Pike present within the lake as fish up to 30 inches in length were sampled.
Yellow Perch appear to be the primary forage species for Walleye in McFarland Lake. Yellow Perch abundance was about average compared to similar lakes, and for this lake historically. The average size of Yellow Perch fell within the normal range for the lake class, although only 16% of the catch was larger than 8 inches.
Lake Whitefish were present in average numbers in 2013, but their average size was large for this lake type. A majority of the catch was greater than 19 inches, and fish up to 28.5 inches, and at least 11 years old, were observed. Lake Whitefish growth rates were fast; fish averaged 21.3 inches at the end of their fifth year compared to 15.9 inches for the Grand Marais area. While the 2013 Lake Whitefish catch suggests trophy angling opportunities exist, it appears there are few small fish available to provide high-quality forage for Northern Pike. Average numbers of White Sucker were sampled in 2013, but all appeared to be too large to serve as forage for Walleye or Northern Pike.
Are there any state parks near McFarland Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around McFarland Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Little John Lake | 1.2 mi | 40 | 8 ft |
| John Lake | 1.3 mi | 191 | 20 ft |
| Stump Lake | 2.5 mi | 254 | 54 ft |
| East Pike Lake | 2.5 mi | 554 | 40 ft |
| Fault Lake | 2.6 mi | 59 | 10 ft |
| Loft Lake | 2.9 mi | 14 | 48 ft |
| Long Lake | 3.1 mi | 148 | 24 ft |
| North Fowl Lake | 3.2 mi | 1,040 | 10 ft |
| Moose Lake | 3.3 mi | 1,026 | 113 ft |
| Nisula Lake | 3.5 mi | 108 | 18 ft |
