McFarland

Cook County, Minnesota — DOW #16002700

109 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

McFarland has confirmed populations of:

spiny waterflea

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

385.77

Acres

49 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	0.21 lb	1
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.10 lb	1
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	0.3	—	—	3

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	1.9 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.97 lb	17
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	1.27 lb	1
1985-08-07	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.65 lb	5
1985-08-07	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	4.25 lb	2
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.77 lb	6
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.59 lb	7
1991-08-28	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.78 lb	3
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	2.30 lb	9
2003-08-18	1/4-in trap nets	0.7	—	0.51 lb	4
2003-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	1.33 lb	2
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	2.4 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.77 lb	22
2017-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.61 lb	3
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	0.4	—	—	4
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	2.4 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.4	2.25 lb	22
2021-08-16	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	0.11 lb	2
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.6 – 2.4	1.50 lb	11
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	0.48 lb	9

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	3.15 lb	11
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	4.65 lb	2
1985-08-07	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	3.00 lb	1
1985-08-07	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.62 lb	13
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	2.5 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.72 lb	15
1997-08-11	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	—	1
1997-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	2.24 lb	1
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.97 lb	19
1991-08-28	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	3.39 lb	4
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.86 lb	2
2003-08-18	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	3.06 lb	1
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	—	2
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.85 lb	11
2017-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	3.32 lb	4
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.38 lb	7
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 1.0	2.18 lb	1
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	0.8 – 5.3	2.31 lb	29
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.1 – 1.0	2.74 lb	18

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.2	0.18 lb	2
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	2.6 (normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.14 lb	23
1997-08-11	1/4-in trap nets	1.5	—	—	9
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	4.2 (above normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.11 lb	25
1991-08-28	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.2	0.30 lb	1
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.30 lb	9
2003-08-18	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	0.09 lb	1
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.18 lb	7
2017-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.2	0.11 lb	5
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	4.3	—	—	39
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.4 (normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.20 lb	13
2021-08-16	1/4-in trap nets	3.1	—	—	28
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.2	0.15 lb	2
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.10 lb	37
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.2	0.25 lb	3
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	2.8 (normal)	0.4 – 3.7	0.19 lb	17

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	2.1 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.90 lb	19
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.91 lb	1
1985-08-07	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.12 lb	2
1985-08-07	Standard gill nets	6.7 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	1.12 lb	20
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	9.5 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	1.25 lb	57
1997-08-11	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	0.99 lb	1
1997-08-11	Standard trap nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.79 lb	12
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	9.2 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.78 lb	55
1991-08-28	Standard trap nets	2.2 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.24 lb	22
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	6.3 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.94 lb	38
2003-08-18	1/4-in trap nets	0.7	—	0.03 lb	4
2003-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.87 lb	5
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	7.6 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.96 lb	68
2017-08-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.53 lb	3
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	2.19 lb	2
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	6.9 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	1.57 lb	62
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.71 lb	1
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	7.5 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.54 lb	45
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	3.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.07 lb	31

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.95 lb	27
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.50 lb	7
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	2.65 lb	11
1997-08-11	1/4-in trap nets	1.0	—	—	6
1997-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.84 lb	3
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	3.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.87 lb	19
1991-08-28	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.70 lb	3
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.47 lb	14
2003-08-18	1/4-in trap nets	7.0	—	0.06 lb	42
2003-08-18	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.14 lb	1
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	7.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.74 lb	69
2017-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.92 lb	13
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	5.0	—	0.08 lb	45
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	2.9 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.75 lb	26
2021-08-16	1/4-in trap nets	15.6	—	0.02 lb	140
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.16 lb	1
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.85 lb	6
1988-08-15	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.21 lb	12

LKW

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	5.52 lb	43
1985-08-07	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	2.42 lb	6
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	2.19 lb	12
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.6 – 15.5	6.40 lb	4
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	3.0 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	2.92 lb	18
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.4 (below normal)	1.6 – 15.5	2.42 lb	13
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	4.22 lb	16
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	1.6 – 15.5	4.60 lb	10

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1985-08-07	Standard gill nets	1.7 (below normal)	3.2 – 20.2	0.15 lb	5
1997-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	3.2 – 20.2	0.47 lb	3
1991-08-28	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.2 – 20.2	0.15 lb	2
2003-08-18	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.2 – 20.2	0.25 lb	2
1988-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	3.2 – 20.2	0.62 lb	2

SHI

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1997-08-11	1/4-in trap nets	6.8	—	41

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	0.4	—	4

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-08-15	1/4-in trap nets	2.7	—	24

CIS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2017-08-15	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.22 lb	1

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2021-08-16	1/4-in trap nets	0.1	—	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

Bearskin Wilderness Outfitters

Grand Marais, MN

(218) 388-2292

★ 4.7

BoatPAL Services

Grand Marais, MN

(218) 264-9934

★ 5

Grand Marais Boat Rides

Grand Marais, MN

(218) 387-4159

Grand Marais Campground & Marina

Grand Marais, MN

(800) 998-0959

★ 4.6

Grand Marais Harbor

Grand Marais, MN

Grand Marais Marina Photogenic Point

Grand Marais, MN

★ 4.9

Resorts & Lodges Near McFarland

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near McFarland.

Eve's Place Lakeside Cabins

Fishing Resort Grand Marais

(218) 370-9834

SAGONTO Wilderness Resort

Fishing Resort Grand Marais

(218) 370-1074

Timberlund's Resort

Fishing Resort Grand Marais

(218) 387-1147

Borderland Lodge

Fishing Resort Grand Marais

(218) 388-2233

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

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

Burbot Cisco Species Lake Whitefish Northern Pike Smallmouth Bass Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near McFarland

Devil Track Lake Cabins

Fishing Guide

(218) 877-7502

Fly Box And Company

Fishing Guide

(218) 370-9659

Grand Marais Charters

Fishing Guide

(218) 370-5800

Little Vince's Guide Services

(218) 388-9942

(218) 370-8726

Other Lakes in Cook County

Plan Your Trip to McFarland

Weather forecast for McFarland — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 48.0534°N, 90.0723°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

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

McFarland

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Burbot

Northern Pike

White Sucker

Yellow Perch

Walleye

Smallmouth Bass

LKW

Tullibee (Cisco)

SHI

Mimic Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

CIS

BNS

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Bear Track Outfitting Co.

Buck's Hardware

Clearwater BWCA Outfitters

Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters

Lake Superior Trading Post

Moose Tracks

Northern Goods

The Fisherman's Daughter at Dockside Fish Market

Nearby Marinas

Bearskin Wilderness Outfitters

BoatPAL Services

Grand Marais Boat Rides

Grand Marais Campground & Marina

Grand Marais Harbor

Grand Marais Marina Photogenic Point

Resorts & Lodges Near McFarland

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near McFarland

Other Lakes in Cook County

Abita

Ada

Agnes

Alder

Allen

Alpine

Plan Your Trip to McFarland