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We want to see what you've caught on McDonald Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald Lake, MN
- How big is McDonald Lake?
- How deep is McDonald Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in McDonald Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the McDonald Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on McDonald Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near McDonald Lake?
- What is the average air temp for McDonald Lake?
- Are there any state parks near McDonald Lake?
How big is McDonald Lake?
How deep is McDonald Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in McDonald Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the McDonald Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on McDonald Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near McDonald Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in McDonald 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
Schwartz Lake is a 489-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately two miles west of Dent, MN. Schwartz Lake is connected to Big McDonald Lake via a shallow channel along the northwest shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 33 feet; however, 60% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2006 lake survey was 11.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 11.0 to 13.6 feet. The MN DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different lake classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Schwartz Lake is included in lake class 25; other area lakes in this same classification include Beers, Franklin, Jolly Ann, South Lida, and Stuart. Shoreline development is limited to primarily the south shoreline. A DNR owned public water access is located along the southwest shoreline. Areas of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are located throughout the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. Schwartz Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that exists. A high-density northern pike population exists. The test-net catch rate exceeded the upper limit of the expected range for similar lakes. Data indicate that reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 12.4 to 29.6 inches with a mean length and weight of 17.3 inches and 1.0 pounds. Data indicate that a high-density largemouth bass population also exists. Length data indicate that bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass in the test-net sample ranged in length from 9.1 to 15.5 inches with a mean length and weight of 12.2 inches and 1.0 pounds. The bluegill test-net catch rate exceeded the upper limit of the expected range for similar lakes. Bluegill abundance has historically been high. Sixty-three percent of the bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing 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 to 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 McDonald Lake?
Are there any state parks near McDonald 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 McDonald Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Pine Lake (Reames) | 0.5 mi | 71 | 33 ft |
Pickerel Lake | 0.8 mi | 29 | 50 ft |
Tenter Lake | 0.9 mi | 83 | 63 ft |
Big McDonald Lake | 1.1 mi | 992 | 46 ft |
West McDonald Lake | 1.8 mi | 597 | 62 ft |
Round Lake | 1.8 mi | 173 | 18 ft |
Pine Lake | 1.9 mi | 72 | 94 ft |
Hoffman Lake | 2.4 mi | 157 | 20 ft |
Wolf Lake (West Wolf) | 2.8 mi | 73 | 51 ft |
Elbow Lake | 3.0 mi | 84 | 85 ft |