Little McDonald Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

56032800

County

Otter Tail

Surface area

1,316 acres

Maximum depth

109 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

413 acres, 31% of the lake

Shoreline

8.5 miles

Average water clarity

22.4 feet (Secchi disk, 4 readings)

Nearest town (DNR)

Perham

Latest DNR fish survey

August 2020, targeted survey

Surveys on record

10, since 1978

Game fish caught in the 2020 survey

walleye 45, northern pike 43, bluegill 10, largemouth bass 10, pumpkinseed 4, black crappie 2, yellow perch 1, rock bass 1

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, and 16 other species

Stocked in 2025

walleye yearlings (100); walleye fingerlings (7,684); walleye adults (14)

Stocked in 2024

walleye fingerlings (4,788)

Stocked in 2023

walleye fingerlings (14,332)

Stocking years on record

7 of the last 10 (2017 to 2025)

Little McDonald Lake (N) Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces, toilet, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Little McDonald Lake (S) Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Infested waters list

zebra mussel

Special regulation, Including Kerbs Lake

Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have been tested

Size

500 to 1,999 acres

Deepest point

60 feet or more

Public access

Yes

Stocked in the last 3 years

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.