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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
West McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 760 acres (1.2 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this morning.
About West McDonald Lake
In Otter Tail County, Minnesota, West McDonald Lake covers about 760 acres.
It stretches about 1.6 miles end to end with roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. At about 1,350 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Perham is about 9.7 miles east. The closest city is Fargo, about 51 miles away.
- Size
- About 760 acres (1.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.3 miles
- End to end
- About 1.6 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 12 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 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 Minnesota 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. At 43°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- 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
- 6
- 7
6 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 West McDonald Lake
- Perhamabout 9.7 mi east
- Frazeeabout 10 mi northeast
- Pelican Rapidsabout 13 mi west
- Detroit Lakesabout 16 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 51 mi northwest
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Questions about West McDonald Lake
What fish are in West McDonald Lake?
Lakes like West 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 West 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 West McDonald Lake?
About 760 acres, with about 7.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near West McDonald Lake?
Perham is about 9.7 miles east; Frazee is about 10 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at West McDonald Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
West McDonald Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
