Donalds Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56020000.
Donalds Lake is a 165.5-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 43 ft, and about 51% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56020000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 165.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 43 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 51% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.4 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 14.4 ft, phosphorus 15.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Donalds Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Donalds Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.83 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.83 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.22 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | trap | 27.89 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.67 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 4.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2022), Northern pike 33.0 in (2022), Walleye 24.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Donalds Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. In the city of Ottertail on NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Long Lake 0.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pelican Bay 1.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buchanan Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Gourd Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pickerel Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Donalds Lake
How deep is Donalds Lake?
Donalds Lake reaches a maximum depth of 43 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 51% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Donalds Lake?
Donalds Lake covers about 165.5 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Donalds Lake?
Summer water clarity on Donalds Lake averages 14.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Donalds Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Donalds Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Donalds Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Donalds Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Donalds Lake?
Donalds Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Donalds Lake.
How is the walleye population on Donalds Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2022, walleye numbers on Donalds Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Donalds Lake?
Homes on Donalds 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 Donalds Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Donalds Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 51% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Donalds Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Donalds Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Donalds 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 2022), 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.