The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
McDonald Lake
Schoolcraft County, Michigan · about 1,440 acres (2.2 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this afternoon.
About McDonald Lake
In Schoolcraft County, Michigan, McDonald Lake covers about 1,440 acres.
It stretches about 2 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 7.1 miles. At about 610 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Manistique is about 12 miles west.
- Size
- About 1,440 acres (2.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.1 miles
- End to end
- About 2 miles
- Elevation
- About 610 ft
- County
- Schoolcraft County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 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 Michigan mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 43°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
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 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 5:13 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near McDonald Lake
- Manistiqueabout 12 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about McDonald Lake
What fish are in McDonald Lake?
Lakes like 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 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 McDonald Lake?
About 1,440 acres, with about 7.1 miles of shoreline.
What town is near McDonald Lake?
Manistique is about 12 miles west.
What is the water temperature at McDonald Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
McDonald Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
