The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake McDonald
Ketchikan Gateway, Alaska · about 1,020 acres (1.6 sq mi)
Calm this morning.
About Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald spreads over about 1,020 acres in Ketchikan Gateway, Alaska.
It stretches about 4.2 miles end to end with roughly 11.2 miles of shoreline. At about 60 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Wrangell, is about 39 miles northwest.
- Size
- About 1,020 acres (1.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 11.2 miles
- End to end
- About 4.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 60 ft
- County
- Ketchikan Gateway
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Slow
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Alaska mix for a lake this size: trout and lake trout. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Trout
- Lake trout
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:20 am · sunset 3:42 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake McDonald
- Wrangellabout 39 mi northwest
- Ketchikanabout 41 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake McDonald
What fish are in Lake McDonald?
Lakes like Lake McDonald usually hold trout and lake trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake McDonald?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Lake McDonald?
About 1,020 acres, with about 11.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake McDonald?
Wrangell is about 39 miles northwest; Ketchikan is about 41 miles south.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Lake McDonald?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Lake McDonald on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
