Little McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. DNR lake ID 56032800.
Little McDonald Lake is a 1,316-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. Its deepest point reaches 109 ft, and about 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 23.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56032800 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Perham |
| Surface area | 1,316 acres |
| Maximum depth | 109 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 31% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 23.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 23.5 ft, phosphorus 8.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little McDonald Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Little McDonald Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 3.75 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.58 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.08 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.83 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2020), Walleye 28.0 in (2020), Northern pike 31.0 in (2020).
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, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Walleye 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2013).
Public boat access
- Little McDonald Lake (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp. 3 mi N of Dent on Cnty Rd 35, then 1 mi E on Cnty Rd 34 to S shore. Directions
- Little McDonald Lake (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. From US 10 in Perham follow Hwy 34 west for 4 miles to E Little Mcdonald Dr. Follow E Little Mcdonald Dr around the lake and continue onto N Little Mcdonald Dr for 3.7 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Paul Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rusch Lake 1.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Kerbs Lake 1.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Moenkedick Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ceynowa Lake 1.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grunard Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Berger Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Devils Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Little McDonald Lake
How deep is Little McDonald Lake?
Little McDonald Lake reaches a maximum depth of 109 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little McDonald Lake?
Little McDonald Lake covers about 1,316 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little McDonald Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little McDonald Lake averages 23.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Little McDonald Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Little McDonald Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Little McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Little McDonald Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Little McDonald Lake?
Little McDonald Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Little McDonald Lake (S); Little McDonald Lake (N).
How is the walleye population on Little McDonald Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2020, walleye numbers on Little McDonald Lake ran mostly within 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 Little McDonald Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little McDonald Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little McDonald Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 31% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 23.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little McDonald Lake?
Yes. Walleye 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed).
Ask us about Little 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 2020), 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.