Little McDonald Lake

How big is Little McDonald Lake?

How deep is Little McDonald Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Little McDonald Lake?

Are there boat launches on Little McDonald Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Little McDonald Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Little McDonald Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Little McDonald Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Little McDonald Lake?

Little McDonald Lake is a 1,174-acre mestrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately six miles west of Perham, MN. The immediate watershed is composed of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 109 feet; however, 35% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading was 19.2 feet, indicating excellent water clarity. Secchi disk readings in previous surveys ranged from 10.0 to 30.5 feet.
The entire shoreline of the lake has been extensively developed. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. DNR owned public water accesses are located along the north and south shorelines. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Areas of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are prevalent in the western portion of the lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They are also important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Little McDonald Lake is a popular angling lake. Species most sought after include Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. Data from recent lake surveys indicate that these species are abundant and have good size distributions as well.
Northern Pike abundance has remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 11.6 to 30.6 inches with an average length and weight of 20.0 inches and 1.9 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 21.9 inches at four years of age.
Bluegill size structure is good as 32% of the sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is also consistently good. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.5 inches at six years of age.
The long-term trend has been an increase in Black Crappie abundance. The 2012 year class is strong and should provide good crappie angling for several years. Forty-seven percent of the Black Crappie sample was 10.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies attain an average length of 8.8 inches at four years of age.
Walleye is a primary management specie for this lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 8.0 to 28.0 inches with an average length and weight of 18.9 inches and 2.6 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.6 inches at four years of age.
An experimental regulation designed to maintain or improve the Walleye size structure in Little McDonald Lake was implemented in 1998 and was in effect through 2010. The regulation was an 18.0 to 26.0 inch protected slot limit with one Walleye over 26.0 inches allowed in possession. The regulation was reviewed and a public input meeting was held in the fall of 2010. In 2011, after overwhelming public support, the experimental regulation was amended and made into a special regulation and is now permanent. The amended regulation is a 17.0 to 26.0 inch protected slot limit with one Walleye over 26.0 inches allowed in possession.
Anglers can maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium and large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Little McDonald Lake?

Are there any state parks near Little McDonald Lake?