Donalds Lake

How big is Donalds Lake?

How deep is Donalds Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Donalds Lake?

What are the closest cities to Donalds Lake?

Are there boat launches on Donalds Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Donalds Lake?

Donalds Lake is a 168-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County and within the city limits of Ottertail City, Minnesota. The surrounding watershed is primarily municipal. The maximum depth of Donalds Lake is 43 feet; however, 50% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2022 survey was 15.6 feet. Previous secchi disk reading have ranged from 6.0 to 15.0 feet.
Moderate development exists around Donalds Lake. A city owned concrete public access is located on the west shoreline. Parking space is limited and access is gained by navigating off of a city street. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice) is located in various areas 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 important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
A moderate density Northern Pike population exists; however, the size structure is poor. Northern Pike ranged in length from 12.8 to 33.1 inches with an average length and weight of 16.3 inches and 0.9 pounds.
The Bluegill population is extremely abundant and has a high quality size structure. Eighty-five percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 44% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 8.1 inches at eight years of age.
The Black Crappie population is moderately abundant with a quality size structure. Black Crappies ranged in length from 8.5 to 12.2 inches with an average length of 9.9 inches. Fifty percent of the crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 10.2 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the 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 opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
Donalds Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

What is the average air temp for Donalds Lake?

Are there any state parks near Donalds Lake?