Little McDonald

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56032800

215 Surveys

Special Regulations for Little McDonald

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Invasive Species Alert

Little McDonald has confirmed populations of:

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

1,316.02
Acres
109 ft
Max Depth
0
14
Fish Species
8
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 9.3 12
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 0.9 6
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 1.7 10
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 14.6 26
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.6 3
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 2.6 29
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 3.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.92 lb 38
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 2.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.31 lb 29
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.92 lb 22
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 11.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.42 lb 110
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.87 lb 16
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 1.40 lb 14
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.20 lb 4
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 2.9 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.40 lb 23
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 1.50 lb 10
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.75 lb 6
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.48 lb 12
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 3.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.63 lb 44
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 4.3 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.26 lb 39
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 1.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.76 lb 20
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.98 lb 9

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 31.8 41
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 3.0 21
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 27.2 163
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 96.8 172
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 5.2 26
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 39.2 431
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 24.6 0.18 lb 295
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 27.6 (normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.13 lb 331
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 6.7 0.18 lb 80
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 27.1 (normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.18 lb 271
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 4.3 0.13 lb 52
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 42.5 (normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.10 lb 510
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 8.3 0.08 lb 33
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 270.4 (above normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.10 lb 2163
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.8 0.28 lb 10
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 27.0 0.07 lb 135
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 56.0 (above normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.10 lb 336
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 11.1 0.20 lb 133
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 17.3 (normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.18 lb 156
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 7.0 0.11 lb 84
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 37.5 (normal) 4.4 – 49.0 0.11 lb 450

HHC

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.6 1

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.9 – 4.0 4.34 lb 2
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 6.64 lb 1
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.9 – 4.0 2.26 lb 1
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 3.45 lb 15
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 3.08 lb 6
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.9 – 4.0 2.50 lb 3
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.9 – 4.0 3.36 lb 5
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.2 – 1.1 3.25 lb 3
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.9 – 4.0 2.36 lb 1
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 4.82 lb 1
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.9 – 4.0 3.18 lb 7

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 1.6 2
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 0.4 3
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.6 1
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.4 2
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 0.2 2

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 0.1 1
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 0.2 1
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 5.4 7

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 12.0 72
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 9.3 12
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 3.0 21
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 9.6 105
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 5.1 9
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 1.0 5

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 2.0 12
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 20.1 26
2016-08-04 15-ft beach seine 0.3 2
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 0.9 10
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 66.4 118
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.29 lb 3
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.27 lb 10
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.45 lb 14
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 5.1 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.30 lb 51
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.57 lb 3
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.17 lb 3
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.50 lb 5
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.27 lb 3
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.38 lb 1
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 7.2 (above normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.25 lb 36
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.13 lb 13
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.41 lb 14
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 2.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.28 lb 25
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.9 0.48 lb 1
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.51 lb 1

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 1.7 3
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 14.2 (above normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.80 lb 170
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.71 lb 19
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 10.7 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.98 lb 128
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 2.7 (normal) 1.2 – 5.2 1.01 lb 27
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 8.3 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.59 lb 99
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.71 lb 26
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 14.0 (above normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.54 lb 56
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 8.4 (above normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.47 lb 67
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.99 lb 27
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 4.2 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.64 lb 21
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.59 lb 5
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 5.9 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.96 lb 71
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 1.2 – 5.2 1.00 lb 14
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 7.3 (normal) 1.2 – 10.9 0.56 lb 87
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 3.6 (normal) 1.2 – 5.2 0.55 lb 43

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 0.8 5
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.2 1
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.04 lb 5
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 4.8 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.12 lb 57
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.3 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.19 lb 15
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.10 lb 1
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 4.0 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.09 lb 16
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.11 lb 1
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.15 lb 2
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 2.6 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.18 lb 13
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.5 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.16 lb 18
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.34 lb 1
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 2.8 (below normal) 7.0 – 46.3 0.12 lb 34

Mimic Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2016-08-04 50-ft beach seine 9.2 55

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 2
2017-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.6 3
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.6 17
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 2.0 0.14 lb 24
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.19 lb 8
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.05 lb 4
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.35 lb 6
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.2 0.13 lb 14
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.14 lb 8
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 4.3 0.06 lb 17
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 6.4 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.16 lb 51
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.14 lb 4
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 1.8 0.18 lb 9
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.19 lb 13
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.11 lb 4
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.15 lb 3
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 2.8 0.09 lb 34
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 1.8 – 7.8 0.22 lb 23

BMS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 3.4 6
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 7.5 83

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 2
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 2.8 (above normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.28 lb 34
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.59 lb 13
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.16 lb 7
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 5.0 (above normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.35 lb 50
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.51 lb 10
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.35 lb 12
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.10 lb 2
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.44 lb 8
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.58 lb 2
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 1.27 lb 4
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.38 lb 17
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 2.1 (normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.54 lb 19
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.4 – 2.7 0.15 lb 8
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 2.3 (above normal) 0.4 – 2.3 0.32 lb 28

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.6 1

Spottail Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 2.0 22
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 2

BCS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.0 11
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 3.4 6

BKF

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 0.3 3
2017-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 2

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2017-08-16 50-ft beach seine 0.1 1
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 1.4 0.34 lb 14
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.2 0.28 lb 2
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 2.4 0.28 lb 19

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 7.3 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.88 lb 88
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 0.8 2.92 lb 10
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 5.1 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 2.16 lb 61
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 5.6 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.82 lb 67
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 3.46 lb 4
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 6.8 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 2.49 lb 27
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 1.42 lb 6
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 3.6 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 2.21 lb 43
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 4.0 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.58 lb 20
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 0.75 lb 1
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 1.86 lb 56
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 5.8 (normal) 2.8 – 9.0 2.09 lb 70
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 0.2 1.95 lb 2

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 6.9 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 2.58 lb 83
2008-08-25 Special trap nets 2.9 4.09 lb 233
2008-08-25 Standard trap nets 1.4 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.8 4.14 lb 17
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 14.7 (above normal) 3.3 – 8.8 1.50 lb 176
2012-08-20 Standard trap nets 1.1 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.8 3.19 lb 11
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 8.1 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 2.97 lb 97
2004-08-23 Special trap nets 18.4 4.56 lb 203
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 4.61 lb 3
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 8.5 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 4.24 lb 34
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 3.78 lb 6
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 3.8 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 3.48 lb 45
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 9.8 (above normal) 3.3 – 8.8 3.25 lb 49
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 1.50 lb 4
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 7.3 (normal) 3.3 – 8.8 2.61 lb 88
2016-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 0.8 3.49 lb 5
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 13.4 (above normal) 3.3 – 8.8 2.50 lb 161
2000-08-28 Special trap nets 3.6 4.13 lb 224
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 1.2 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.8 4.85 lb 14

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2008-08-25 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 1.32 lb 10
2012-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.86 lb 1
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.6 0.84 lb 16
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.95 lb 11
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.3 – 1.6 0.76 lb 9
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 3.5 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.68 lb 14
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 1.81 lb 7
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 4.3 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.6 0.75 lb 26
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 6.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.77 lb 30
2016-08-22 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 1.49 lb 7
2000-08-28 Standard trap nets 3.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.6 0.87 lb 41
2000-08-28 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.87 lb 19

Shorthead Redhorse

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1988-08-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (normal) 0.1 – 1.2 4.50 lb 1

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1988-08-22 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.6 – 6.8 0.66 lb 5
2020-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 6.8 1.45 lb 2
1978-09-05 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 0.10 lb 1
1978-09-05 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.6 – 6.8 0.50 lb 8

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Fish Species

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

Black BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillBrown BullheadHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassTullibee (Cisco)WalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

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