McDonald Lake

How big is McDonald Lake?

How deep is McDonald Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in McDonald Lake?

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?

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?