Walleye fishing at Macdonald Lake

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 40 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 20 ft, rated prime for fall walleye. Plan around the evening and early morning in the warm months. Tie on a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Macdonald Lake

Start shallow in spring: northern pike sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 4 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Yellow Perch fishing at Macdonald Lake

Start shallow in spring: yellow perch sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 15 to 35 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 4 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. A drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm covers the summer program.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Macdonald Lake

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 45 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 20 ft that scores prime in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Summer baits: a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig gets it done.

Lake Trout fishing at Macdonald Lake

Start shallow in spring: lake trout sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 22 to 72 ft, and by winter most fish are in 18 to 72 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 72 ft that scores prime in summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. A white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger covers the summer program.

Lake Whitefish fishing at Macdonald Lake

Start shallow in spring: lake whitefish sit in 15 to 45 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 22 to 72 ft, and by winter most fish are in 25 to 70 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 72 ft, rated prime for summer lake whitefish. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon covers the summer program.

How deep is Macdonald Lake?

Macdonald Lake is about 72 ft at its deepest point. The depth chart here comes from real state fisheries GPS surveys, so the contours reflect measured depths.

What fish are in Macdonald Lake?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, lake trout, lake whitefish on Macdonald Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Macdonald Lake?

Shallow bay flat is the top-rated area: a weed flat in about 4 ft of water that rates prime for northern pike in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Macdonald Lake?

For walleye, 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.