McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 5-6 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
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?
- What are the closest cities to 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.
What are the closest cities to McDonald Lake?
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?
Explore the McDonald Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
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. Historical secchi disk readings have ranged from 11.0 to 13.6 feet.
Shoreline development is limited to the south shoreline. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located along the southwest shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. 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.
A spring trapnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Black Crappie population. Catch and length data indicate that an abundant Black Crappie population with a high quality size structure exists in Schwartz Lake. Black Crappies ranged in length from 7.4 to 13.9 inches with an average length of 11.4 inches. Eighty-four percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length and 36% were 12.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 10.8 inches at five years of age.
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 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 more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Schwartz Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2019. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. The non-native 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 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) | 0.7 mi | 71 | 33 ft |
| Mud Lake | 0.7 mi | 114 | |
| Tenter Lake | 0.8 mi | 83 | 63 ft |
| Big McDonald Lake | 1.1 mi | 992 | 46 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 1.1 mi | 29 | 50 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.3 mi | 10 | |
| Archie Lake | 1.5 mi | 32 | 0 ft |
| South Rice Lake | 1.7 mi | 121 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.8 mi | 10 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.9 mi | 15 |
