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Rating depth structure for lake trout.
Recent public catches load as you reach this section.
135-acre lake in Stikine Region, British Columbia. The lake tops out around 27 ft. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. The rest of this page walks each species through its year, using the map's own scoring.
The drawn water covers 135 acres wrapped in 3.2 miles of bank. With a 2 development index there's bank structure worth casting at, in moderation. Littoral water — the productive band under ~15 ft — makes up 95% of this chart. Tip to tip the water measures near 1.1 mi with a 0.4-mi widest point. It sits in Stikine Region. Mcdonald Lake sits 1 mi northeast — the closest neighbouring chart.
Spring arctic grayling on Lower Mcdonald Lake hold shallow, usually 2 to 10 ft. By summer they slide out to 3 to 15 ft, and by winter most fish are in 8 to 25 ft. The chart's best answer is Deep basin — deep basin, 20 ft, prime for winter. Prime time lands in the evening and early morning. The summer box starts with a dry fly (parachute adams, elk hair caddis) or a small inline spinner.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2 to 10 ft | midday & dusk | Shallow bay flat (1 ft) | 1/16 oz spinner (silver), Small dry fly (Adams, Griffith's) |
| Summer | 3 to 15 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (15 ft) | Dry fly (parachute Adams, elk hair caddis), Small inline spinner |
| Fall | 6 to 20 ft | midday | Break off the point (15 ft) | Small spoon, Beadhead nymph under indicator |
| Winter | 8 to 25 ft | midday & dawn | Deep basin (20 ft) | Tungsten jig + waxworm, Small jigging spoon (gold) |
Come spring, look for lake trout tight to the bank in 7 to 27 ft. Through summer count on 8 to 27 ft; the winter hold is 7 to 27 ft. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 20 ft of water and rates prime come summer. Prime time lands in early morning. A white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 7 to 27 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (15 ft) | Casting spoon over shoals, Jerkbait (shallow) |
| Summer | 8 to 27 ft | dawn | Deep basin (20 ft) | White tube jig (deep), Magnum spoon on downrigger |
| Fall | 5 to 27 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (15 ft) | Heavy casting spoon, Jigging rap over reefs |
| Winter | 7 to 27 ft | dawn | Deep basin (20 ft) | White tube jig, Airplane jig |
The spring pattern is a shallow one: lake whitefish in 8 to 27 ft. The depth story barely changes: 8 to 27 ft through summer, 8 to 27 ft in winter. Top water on the chart: Deep basin, a deep basin in the 20 ft range, prime in summer. Time it for early morning. Summer baits: a blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 8 to 27 ft | midday & dawn | Break off the point (15 ft) | Small jig + waxworm, Blade bait (small) |
| Summer | 8 to 27 ft | dawn | Deep basin (20 ft) | Blade bait vertical, Small jigging spoon |
| Fall | 7 to 27 ft | dusk | Break off the point (15 ft) | Small spoon (gold), Jig + plastic larva |
| Winter | 8 to 27 ft | midday & dawn | Deep basin (20 ft) | Jigging spoon + bead chain, Tungsten jig + waxie |
Structure-wise the chart holds 6 features, led in depth by Deep basin at roughly 20 ft.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for British Columbia waters are set by the BC freshwater fishing synopsis — and special regulations can apply to Lower Mcdonald Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official British Columbia fishing regulations →
Lower Mcdonald Lake is about 27 ft (8 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target arctic grayling, lake trout, lake whitefish on Lower Mcdonald Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 20 ft of water that rates prime for arctic grayling in winter. Scroll up to the map for the complete spot list by species and season.
For arctic grayling, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Lower Mcdonald Lake is regulated by the BC freshwater fishing synopsis. Check the official British Columbia regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
Mcdonald Lake 1 mi · Indian Lake 11 mi · Atlin Lake 14 mi · Laidlaw Lake 23 mi · Dixie Lake 29 mi · Trout Lake 30 mi · Simpson Lake 33 mi · Tutshi Lake 36 mi · Ruth Lake 40 mi · Teslin Lake 47 mi · Coconino Lake 53 mi · Swift Lake 61 mi
See how Lower Mcdonald Lake stacks up: best lake trout lakes in British Columbia · best lake whitefish lakes in British Columbia · best arctic grayling lakes in British Columbia
More water nearby: Stikine Region fishing maps (88 charts). Browse all British Columbia fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.