Big McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota. DNR lake ID 56038600.
Big McDonald Lake is a 3,096-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Its deepest point reaches 62 ft+ (deepest measured basin). Summer water clarity averages 16.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel, zebra mussel.
Buying or selling on Big McDonald Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56038600 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County |
| Surface area | 3,096 acres |
| Maximum depth | 62 ft+ (deepest measured basin) |
| Share under 15 ft | Not surveyed |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.0 ft, phosphorus 12.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big McDonald Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2019), zebra mussel (listed 2019).
Public boat access
- West McDonald Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 3.5 mi S of Vergas on Cnty Rd 35, then 1.5 mi S on Cnty Rd 85, then Eon access road to W shore. Directions
- Big McDonald Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 9 trailer spaces. 6 mi NW of Dent on Cnty Rd 35, then 1 mi S to NW shore. Directions
- Hoffman Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. From Dent follow State Hwy 108 west for 4.2 miles to CR 85. Take CR 85 north for 1.5 miles to Mac Cir. Follow Mac Cir east for 0.6 miles to the access. Directions
- McDonald Lake, Seclusion Point: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 14 trailer spaces. 3 mi W of Dent on Mn Hwy 108, then 1 mi N to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- West McDonald Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brown Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Berger Lake 1.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine (Reames) Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Hoffman Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pickerel Lake 1.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Tenter Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Big McDonald Lake
How deep is Big McDonald Lake?
Big McDonald Lake reaches a maximum depth of 62 ft+ (deepest measured basin) according to Minnesota DNR records.
How big is Big McDonald Lake?
Big McDonald Lake covers about 3,096 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big McDonald Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big McDonald Lake averages 16.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Big McDonald Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big McDonald Lake for zebra mussel, zebra mussel.
Where is the public boat access on Big McDonald Lake?
Big McDonald Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: West McDonald Lake; Big McDonald Lake; Hoffman Lake; McDonald Lake, Seclusion Point.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big McDonald Lake?
Homes on Big McDonald Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Big McDonald Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big McDonald Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, and summer clarity around 16.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big McDonald Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big McDonald Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big McDonald Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest not on record), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.