Big McDonald

Otter Tail County, Minnesota — DOW #56038601

167 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Big McDonald has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

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

991.7

Acres

46 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.14 lb	7
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.8	0.94 lb	36
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	0.83 lb	9
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	0.85 lb	2
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.38 lb	18
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.08 lb	6
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	2.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.37 lb	27
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.39 lb	3
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	0.73 lb	1
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.71 lb	1
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.58 lb	3

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.09 lb	3
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.12 lb	10
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.06 lb	11
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	18.9 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.10 lb	132
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.07 lb	2
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.06 lb	1
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.11 lb	1
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.09 lb	2
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.13 lb	2
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.19 lb	2
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	3.9 (below normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.11 lb	35

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	26.6 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.55 lb	319
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	8.7 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.58 lb	104
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	3.4 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.80 lb	24
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	4.9 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.86 lb	39
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	93.1 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.45 lb	1117
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	6.3 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.58 lb	69
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	46.3 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.59 lb	555
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	11.4 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.65 lb	125
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	57.6 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.68 lb	518
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	4.0 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.74 lb	48
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	48.7 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.57 lb	438
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	7.8 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.70 lb	62
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	12.8 (above normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.96 lb	115
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	3.5 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.97 lb	38

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.22 lb	69
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	2.45 lb	9
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	2.03 lb	33
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	3.70 lb	1
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	6.2 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.06 lb	74
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.7	—	1.42 lb	8
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	7.9 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	0.90 lb	95
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	1.32 lb	12
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	7.0 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.40 lb	63
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	1.65 lb	11
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	7.9 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.43 lb	71
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	1.39 lb	4
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	5.9 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.65 lb	53
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	1.94 lb	4

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.61 lb	12
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.46 lb	5
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.10 lb	7
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.75 lb	11
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.62 lb	5
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.39 lb	7
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.6 (normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.50 lb	19
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.31 lb	8
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.28 lb	3
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.17 lb	8
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.72 lb	2
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.21 lb	5
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.60 lb	4

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	11.68 lb	1
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	5.95 lb	1
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	3.53 lb	1
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	8.82 lb	1
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	8.86 lb	1
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	10.41 lb	1
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	6.20 lb	1

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	9.2 (above normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.13 lb	110
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.32 lb	10
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	7.4 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.59 lb	52
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.15 lb	11
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.90 lb	57
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.80 lb	1
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	3.2 (below normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.60 lb	38
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	3.28 lb	7
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	9.1 (above normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.68 lb	82
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	1.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.44 lb	13
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.88 lb	52
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.53 lb	11
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	7.2 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.59 lb	65
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.30 lb	9

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.40 lb	1
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.47 lb	8
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	0.34 lb	7
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.23 lb	2
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.27 lb	3
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.42 lb	7
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	1.2	—	0.29 lb	14
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	3.1	—	0.38 lb	28
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	0.32 lb	5
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.32 lb	2
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	2.3	—	0.47 lb	25

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.67 lb	21
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.35 lb	22
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.78 lb	5
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	6.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.25 lb	54
2008-08-11	Standard electrofishing	156.5	—	0.64 lb	74
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	2.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.82 lb	33
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.41 lb	3
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	2.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.67 lb	34
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.9 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.29 lb	21
2017-08-14	Standard electrofishing	212.6	—	1.19 lb	59
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.05 lb	34
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	2.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.30 lb	26
2013-08-05	Standard electrofishing	166.6	—	1.18 lb	57
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	3.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.09 lb	32
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	2.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.66 lb	17
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.00 lb	14
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.21 lb	7

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	8.1	—	0.23 lb	97
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	34.1 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.10 lb	409
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	2.7	—	0.07 lb	19
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	79.9 (above normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.15 lb	639
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	3.2	—	0.28 lb	38
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	35.2 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.17 lb	387
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	4.2	—	0.18 lb	50
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	21.4 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.19 lb	236
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	31.4	—	0.28 lb	283
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	15.3 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.16 lb	184
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	5.4	—	0.40 lb	49
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	17.1 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.18 lb	137
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	4.2	—	0.51 lb	38
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	17.0 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.25 lb	187

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	2.3	—	0.21 lb	27
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.18 lb	20
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	3.7	—	0.11 lb	26
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	9.0 (above normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.16 lb	72
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.9	—	0.29 lb	11
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.27 lb	5
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.9	—	0.21 lb	23
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	1.6 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.19 lb	18
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	1.0	—	0.28 lb	9
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	1.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.23 lb	20
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	1.4	—	0.20 lb	13
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.17 lb	7
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.14 lb	1
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.27 lb	9

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.46 lb	2
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	4.96 lb	1
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.34 lb	9
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.0	4.37 lb	1
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	3.47 lb	2

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.75 lb	18
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	2.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.6	0.37 lb	20
1986-07-28	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.74 lb	5
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.63 lb	9
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.78 lb	2
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.97 lb	2

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1999-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.88 lb	1
2008-08-11	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.49 lb	10
2008-08-11	Special trap nets	5.9	—	0.59 lb	59
2008-08-11	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.38 lb	24
2004-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.76 lb	4
2004-08-09	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.34 lb	3
2017-08-14	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.80 lb	8
2017-08-14	Special trap nets	3.3	—	0.77 lb	39
2017-08-14	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.42 lb	10
2013-08-05	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.78 lb	10
2013-08-05	Special trap nets	10.7	—	0.82 lb	107
2013-08-05	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.38 lb	13
2021-08-16	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.43 lb	9
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	2.5 (above normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.47 lb	27

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1986-07-28	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.5	4.20 lb	1

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2021-08-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	5.53 lb	2

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

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 Big McDonald

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Big McDonald.

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 Big McDonald. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Brown Bullhead Common Carp Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Walleye Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Big McDonald

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

Plan Your Trip to Big McDonald

Weather forecast for Big McDonald — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.5811°N, 95.7669°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.

Big McDonald

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Perch

Yellow Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Common Carp

Walleye

Hybrid Sunfish

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

White Sucker

Black Bullhead

Black Crappie

Burbot

Bowfin

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Ben's Bait Shop

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Dunham's Sports

Elizabeth General Store

Flagman Products

JK-Outdoors

Lakeland General Store

Lakes Community Coop - Ottertail Oasis

Nearby Marinas

265th St. RV & Boat Storage

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Aqua Marine & Storage

Ark & Spark

Battle Lake Boat Works

Delagoon Park

Resorts & Lodges Near Big McDonald

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Big McDonald

Other Lakes in Otter Tail County

Adley

Alice

Anderson

Anna

Annie Battle

Bass

Plan Your Trip to Big McDonald