Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

Size
1,911ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
Yes
Species in Lake McDonald
Bluegill
Bluegill
Walleye
Walleye
Northern pike
Northern pike
Crappie
Crappie
Perch
Perch

Overview

Lake McDonald Map

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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
3-9 in
Length Range
4 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
High
2025
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
5.6774
0Statewide Range5.7125

Lake McDonald Bluegill abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2025
Jun
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized bluegill based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
20249
20239
20219
20209
20189
Crappie
fish
3-9 in
Length Range
4 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Low
2025
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
0.25
0Statewide Range5.58415

Lake McDonald Crappie abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2025
Jun
Northern pike
fish
3-9 in
Length Range
4 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Above Avg.
2025
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
3.8017
0Statewide Range10.50505

Lake McDonald Northern pike abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2025
Jun
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized northern-pike based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202338
202241
202040
201839
201739
Perch
fish
3-9 in
Length Range
4 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2025
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
3.7037
0Statewide Range37.6

Lake McDonald Perch abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2025
Jun
Walleye
fish
3-9 in
Length Range
4 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Above Avg.
2025
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
8.9797
0Statewide Range33.2084

Lake McDonald Walleye abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2025
Jun