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Little McDonald Lake is a 1,174-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately six miles west of Perham, MN. The maximum depth is 109 feet; however, 35% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The immediate watershed is composed of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Shoalwater substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. The secchi disk reading was 20.0 feet, indicating excellent water clarity. Secchi disk readings from previous surveys have ranged from 10.0 to 19.1 feet. Little McDonald Lake has two public accesses. One is located along the north shoreline and the other is located along the south shoreline. Heavy development exists around the lake. One hundred fifty-seven homes/cabins were located along the shoreline during the 2000 lake survey. Areas of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are prevalent in the western portion of the lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They are also important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. The northern pike test-net catch rate was within the normal range for this class of lake. Age data indicate that the 2004 and 2005 year classes are strong. Northern pike ranged in length from 11.0 to 30.1 inches with an average length and weight of 20.6 inches and 1.9 pounds. Northern pike attain an average length of 20.1 inches at four years of age. The bluegill test-net catch rate was within the normal range for this class of lake. Age data indicate that bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegill size structure is good with 38% of the sample measuring 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.9 inches at seven years of age. Black crappie and largemouth bass are abundant. Test-net catch rates for these species have consistently exceeded their respective normal ranges. Age data for these species indicates that reproduction is consistently good. Black crappie ranged in length from 4.5 to 13.2 inches and largemouth bass ranged in length from 4.9 to 15.6 inches. The walleye test-net catch rate was within the normal range for this class of lake. Walleye ranged in length from 8.5 to 27.6 inches with an average length and weight of 18.8 inches and 2.6 pounds. An experimental walleye regulation (18.0 to 26.0 inch protected slot with one fish allowed over 26.0 inches) was implemented in May of 1998 and will remain in effect until March of 2010. Five spring trap net assessments for walleye were conducted between 1997 and 2008 to monitor the population and evaluate the effectiveness of the regulation. Data from these assessments, as well as the 2008 creel survey indicate that the regulation has been effective at maintaining a quality walleye size structure. Anglers can maintain the quality of angling for other species by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium and large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.