The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake McDonald
Flathead County, Montana · 6,820 acres (10.7 sq mi)
48°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake McDonald
In Flathead County, Montana, Lake McDonald covers 6,820 acres; it is a natural lake. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park and the deepest lake in the park.
From end to end it runs about 7.7 miles with roughly 21 miles of shoreline. At about 3,150 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The deepest water is about 472 ft. Columbia Falls is about 14 miles southwest.
- Size
- 6,820 acres (10.7 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 472 ft
- Shoreline
- About 21 miles
- End to end
- About 7.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,150 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Flathead County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
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 Montana mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 48°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 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
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:41 am · sunset 4:58 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake McDonald
- Columbia Fallsabout 14 mi southwest
- Whitefishabout 18 mi southwest
- Evergreenabout 25 mi southwest
- Kalispellabout 27 mi southwest
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Questions about Lake McDonald
What fish are in Lake McDonald?
Lakes like Lake McDonald usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake McDonald?
About 472 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake McDonald?
6,820 acres, with about 21 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake McDonald?
Columbia Falls is about 14 miles southwest; Whitefish is about 18 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Lake McDonald today?
The surface was about 48°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake McDonald on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
