South Mcdougal Lake
South Mcdougal Lake in Lake County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 2.1 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 6.8 µg/L. Maximum depth: 7 ft. Surface area: 287.32 acres.
- Clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Typical in August
- 69°F
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Area
- 287 acres
- Type
- Eutrophic
- Public access
- No
Next lake in Lake County
South Mcdougal Lake is a 287-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Lake County, Minnesota with a maximum depth of 7 feet (4-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including bluegill, northern pike, and pumpkinseed. No public access — the lake is private or restricted. Compared to the 34 other monitored lakes in Lake County, South Mcdougal Lake ranks #33 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2025-09-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Grade onlyLimited data
Based on clarity and algae grades from past sampling — we do not hold live water temperature and a current cyanobacteria reading for this lake. Check your state or county health department before you swim.
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C (Fair)
Very murky, less than 2.1 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 6.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 57.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.1 ft | Not graded |
| Phosphorus | 31 µg/L | Fair |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 6.8 µg/L | Good |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 57 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near South Mcdougal Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near South Mcdougal Lake in Lake County, Minnesota — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
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Water Temperature
South Mcdougal Lake typically sits around 69°F at the surface in August. Summer average is about 66°F. Usually warmest in Jul (about 70°F) and coldest in Jun (about 60°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 11 field readings (2025–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full South Mcdougal Lake water temperature breakdown →
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 7 ft |
| Average Depth | 4 ft |
| Surface Area | 287 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 5.8 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 100% |
| Public Access | No |
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS).
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing South Mcdougal Lake
EPA Impairment Status
South Mcdougal Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MN38-0659-00 · Official waterbody report
County Ranking
Ranked #33 of 35 lakes in Lake County
Nearby Lakes in Lake County
Frequently asked questions about South Mcdougal Lake
What is the water quality grade for South Mcdougal Lake?
- South Mcdougal Lake in Lake County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 2.1 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 31 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 6.8 µg/L. Maximum depth: 7 ft. Surface area: 287.32 acres.
Is South Mcdougal Lake safe to swim in?
- Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. South Mcdougal Lake has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 6.8 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
What is the water temperature of South Mcdougal Lake?
- South Mcdougal Lake typically sits around 69°F at the surface in August, from 11 EPA Water Quality Portal field readings (2025–2025). That is a typical value for the month, not a live reading.
How deep is South Mcdougal Lake?
- South Mcdougal Lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet and an average depth of 4 feet. The lake covers 287.32 acres.
What fish are in South Mcdougal Lake?
- Fish species found in South Mcdougal Lake include bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, white sucker, yellow perch. South Mcdougal Lake is located in Lake County, Minnesota.
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Where this data comes from
20 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2025. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-02.
Collected and reported by
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Ambient Surface Water
MNPCA20 samples · 2025
Analytical methods
- Field measurement/observation, generic method
- Phosphorus by Two Reagent Colorimetry
- 10200 H ~ Chlorophyll a-b-c Determination
Monitoring station identifiers (1)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder