Today on McDonald
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat McDonald is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present3.7
PerchPanfish, present3.7
CrappiePanfish, present3.7
LargemouthPresent3.7
SmallmouthPresent3.7
Northern pikePresent3.7How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
None publishedThe DNR has no depth map online for McDonald.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
0 publicBefore you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsIce on McDonald
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear McDonald
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
McDonald board
Catches & reportsLakes near McDonald
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finley LakeVilas | 1 | 107 | 26 ft |
| Alma LakeVilas | 1.5 | 58 | 18 ft |
| Moon LakeVilas | 1.9 | 131 | 38 ft |
| Nelson LakeVilas | 2.6 | 104 | 50 ft |
| Dam LakeOneida | 2.8 | 744 | 32 ft |
| Little Saint Germain LakeVilas | 2.8 | 980 | 53 ft |
| Snipe LakeVilas | 2.8 | 239 | 15 ft |
| Sunset LakeVilas | 3.2 | 213 | 30 ft |
McDonald questions
How deep is McDonald Lake?
McDonald Lake is 30 feet at its deepest. It covers 41 acres.
What fish are in McDonald Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Do I need a trout stamp to fish McDonald Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on McDonald Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.