The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Little McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 1,650 acres (2.6 sq mi)
44°F water, calm this morning.
About Little McDonald Lake
Little McDonald Lake spreads over about 1,650 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
From end to end it runs about 2.7 miles with roughly 15.2 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,350 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Perham, is about 8.2 miles east. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 52 miles northwest.
- Size
- About 1,650 acres (2.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 15.2 miles
- End to end
- About 2.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,350 ft
- County
- Otter Tail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 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
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 44°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 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 7:22 am · sunset 4:51 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Little McDonald Lake
- Perhamabout 8.2 mi east
- Frazeeabout 9.3 mi north
- Pelican Rapidsabout 14 mi west
- Detroit Lakesabout 16 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 52 mi northwest
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Questions about Little McDonald Lake
What fish are in Little McDonald Lake?
Lakes like Little McDonald Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Little McDonald Lake?
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 Little McDonald Lake?
About 1,650 acres, with about 15.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Little McDonald Lake?
Perham is about 8.2 miles east; Frazee is about 9.3 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Little McDonald Lake today?
The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Little McDonald Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
