Minnesota Fishing Guide

Donalds

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56020000

183 Surveys
165.5
Acres
43 ft
Max Depth
0
10
Fish Species
8
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Donalds. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.10 lb 2
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.10 lb 1
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 2.4 — — 2
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.35 lb 2
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 5.3 (normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.08 lb 16
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.07 lb 7
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 11.5 (normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.06 lb 69
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.09 lb 1
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 5.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.12 lb 30
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 85.0 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.09 lb 170
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 20.8 (normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.08 lb 125
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 5
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.08 lb 4
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.09 lb 5

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 1.37 lb 3
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 2.5 (normal) 1.3 – 9.8 1.27 lb 10
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 10.2 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.64 lb 61
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 3.3 (normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.62 lb 30
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 4.8 — — 4
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 32.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.65 lb 97
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 21.0 (above normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.50 lb 63
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 35.8 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.44 lb 215
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 3.6 (normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.46 lb 32
2022-06-06 Standard gill nets 13.8 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.61 lb 83
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 2.9 (normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.54 lb 26
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 1.25 lb 6
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 2.5 (normal) 1.3 – 9.8 1.07 lb 15
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 30.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.67 lb 182
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 19.8 (above normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.37 lb 178
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 10.3 (above normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.46 lb 93
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 21.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.49 lb 128

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 9.0 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 1.66 lb 27
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 1.00 lb 3
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 9.3 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 1.51 lb 56
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.6 — 1.52 lb 5
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 9.0 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.13 lb 27
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.63 lb 3
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 9.2 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.58 lb 55
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 1.93 lb 3
2022-06-06 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 0.90 lb 29
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 1.28 lb 3
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 7.5 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.17 lb 15
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.7 — 2.44 lb 4
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 7.2 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.09 lb 43
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 1.59 lb 3
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 8.7 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 1.97 lb 52
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.7 — 1.87 lb 6

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 1.3 — 0.45 lb 4
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.09 lb 2
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 4.2 — 0.49 lb 38
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.20 lb 1
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.7 — 0.14 lb 6
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 1.3 — 0.30 lb 8
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 12.4 — — 5
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 0.32 lb 7
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 3.7 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.30 lb 11
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.7 0.57 lb 4
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.24 lb 5
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.31 lb 7
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 0.50 lb 1
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.96 lb 9
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 3.38 lb 4
2022-06-06 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.99 lb 5
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 4.81 lb 2
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 4.5 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.42 lb 9
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 5.00 lb 1
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 6.0 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.85 lb 36
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 0.45 lb 2
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 4.0 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.63 lb 24
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 2.51 lb 4

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 0.47 lb 3
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.21 lb 8
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.68 lb 1
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 0.87 lb 5
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 2.4 — — 2
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 4
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 0.60 lb 1
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 1.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.44 lb 5
2005-07-05 Standard electrofishing 64.0 — 1.61 lb 33
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 0.89 lb 8
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.27 lb 7
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.97 lb 3
2022-06-06 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 1.31 lb 3
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.60 lb 12
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.7 1.13 lb 2
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.29 lb 4
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 5.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.7 1.44 lb 31
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 24.9 — — 10
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.9 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.14 lb 17

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 13.0 — 0.19 lb 39
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 36.0 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.13 lb 144
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 25.2 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.09 lb 227
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.17 lb 3
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 49.5 — — 41
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 3.7 — — 22
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 124.3 (above normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.13 lb 373
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 68.5 — 0.15 lb 411
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 56.7 (above normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.06 lb 510
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 27.9 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.26 lb 251
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 15.0 — 0.22 lb 30
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 61.2 (above normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.15 lb 367
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 4.5 — 0.09 lb 27
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 28.2 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.09 lb 254
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 10.5 — 0.13 lb 63
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 37.3 — — 15
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 87.4 (above normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.03 lb 787
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 4.1 — — 37

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 3.0 — 0.26 lb 9
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.12 lb 8
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.24 lb 4
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 6.1 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.32 lb 55
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 4.8 — — 4
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — — 1
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.40 lb 1
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 6.7 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.18 lb 20
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 2.2 — 0.08 lb 13
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 7.8 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.10 lb 70
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 5.7 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.33 lb 51
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 14.5 — 0.18 lb 29
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 26.7 (above normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.12 lb 160
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 1.1 (below normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.17 lb 10
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 5.3 — 0.15 lb 32
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 7.5 — — 3
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 16.2 (above normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.13 lb 146
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 5

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 0.40 lb 1
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.05 lb 4
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.81 lb 2
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 3.00 lb 1
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.90 lb 3
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.7 3.43 lb 2

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.68 lb 8
1984-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.30 lb 7
2015-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.37 lb 3
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.40 lb 5
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.26 lb 5
2005-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.29 lb 2
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.51 lb 20
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 2.5 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.65 lb 5
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.50 lb 2
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.25 lb 8
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.37 lb 5
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.18 lb 5
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.19 lb 15

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-07-12 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 0.8 – 7.7 1.28 lb 14
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 3.2 0.80 lb 1
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 0.8 – 7.7 0.66 lb 8
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 3.2 1.25 lb 2
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 16.5 (above normal) 0.8 – 7.7 0.73 lb 33

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2015-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.09 lb 3
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.00 lb 2
1989-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.20 lb 4
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.87 lb 8
2022-06-06 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.87 lb 3
2022-06-06 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.57 lb 2
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.00 lb 1
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 2.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.10 lb 5
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.27 lb 4
2000-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.77 lb 5
2010-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.16 lb 3
2010-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.07 lb 1

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 4.8 — 4
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — 5

BKF

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 0.5 — 3
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.8 — 7
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 2.5 — 1

Fathead Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 2.4 — 2

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 44.7 — 37
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 8.7 — 52
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 8.4 — 76
2010-06-30 Backpack electrofishing 2.5 — 1

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 4.8 — 4
2021-07-19 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1
2010-06-30 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-07-19 Backpack electrofishing 1.2 — 1

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1989-07-05 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.27 lb 6
2005-07-05 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.55 lb 1
1978-07-10 Standard gill nets 2.5 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.56 lb 5
1978-07-10 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.58 lb 3
2000-07-05 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.39 lb 1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Ben's Bait Shop

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5596

★ 4.6

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Ottertail, MN

(218) 367-2550

★ 4.4

Dunham's Sports

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 739-5708

★ 4.1

Elizabeth General Store

Elizabeth, MN

(218) 739-2132

★ 4.3

Flagman Products

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 671-2640

JK-Outdoors

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 739-5299

★ 5

Lakeland General Store

Pelican Rapids, MN

(218) 863-5703

★ 4.8

Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis

Ottertail, MN

(218) 367-3626

★ 4

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Henning, MN

(218) 210-8874

★ 4.8

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 495-2811

★ 4.3

Aqua Marine & Storage

Dent, MN

(218) 457-2325

★ 4.9

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Delagoon Park

Fergus Falls, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near Donalds

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Donalds.

Legacy Lakeside Resort & Event Center
Fishing Resort Clitherall

(218) 321-3150
MN Tru North
Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 346-5253
Paul Lake Resort
Fishing Resort Perham

(218) 234-9001
Shoreside at Rush
Fishing Resort Ottertail

(218) 234-2319

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Donalds. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillBrown BullheadHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedWalleyeYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Donalds

Gene's Sport Shop
Fishing Guide

(218) 346-3355
Lock Jaw Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 640-0158
Minnesota Experience
Fishing Guide

(218) 770-8032
North Country Bowfishing
Fishing Guide
Pit Properties LLC
Fishing Guide

(218) 205-5358
RED HOOKS FISHING ADVENTURES
Red Hooks Fishing Adventures
Fishing Guide

(218) 370-9006

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

240.56 acres

Alice

46.96 acres

Anderson

88.82 acres

Anna

598.19 acres

Annie Battle

354.4 acres

Bass

33.86 acres

Plan Your Trip to Donalds

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.