West McDonald Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56038602.
West McDonald Lake is a 596.9-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 62 ft, and about 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.1 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 | 56038602 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 596.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 62 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 31% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 17.1 ft, phosphorus 10.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, West McDonald Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on West McDonald Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 5.11 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.56 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.44 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.11 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.11 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.67 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.78 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.89 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.11 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.56 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 2.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2019), Northern pike 34.0 in (2019), Walleye 21.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2019).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Hoffman Lake 0.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Brown Lake 0.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Big McDonald Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Elbow Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Round Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pine (Reames) Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Pickerel Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Berger Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about West McDonald Lake
How deep is West McDonald Lake?
West McDonald Lake reaches a maximum depth of 62 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is West McDonald Lake?
West McDonald Lake covers about 596.9 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is West McDonald Lake?
Summer water clarity on West McDonald Lake averages 17.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does West McDonald Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes West McDonald Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in West McDonald Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, common carp in West McDonald Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
How is the walleye population on West McDonald Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on West McDonald Lake ran mostly above 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 West McDonald Lake?
Homes on West 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 West McDonald Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on West McDonald Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 31% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on West McDonald Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for West McDonald Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about West 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 2019), 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.