McFarland

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in the deepest basin on McFarland Lake on August 7th, 2023 to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profile, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 13 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 26.4 feet, which was below the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9°C (48.0°F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2°C for Lake Whitefish or 21.5°C for Cisco indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for both species. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for Lake Whitefish and Cisco was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling. Data collected in 1988-2017 indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017 (17.5°C). When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish or Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in the deepest basin on McFarland Lake on August 7th, 2023 to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profile, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 13 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 26.4 feet, which was below the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9°C (48.0°F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2°C for Lake Whitefish or 21.5°C for Cisco indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for both species. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for Lake Whitefish and Cisco was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling. Data collected in 1988-2017 indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017 (17.5°C). When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish or Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in the deepest basin on McFarland Lake on August 7th, 2023 to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish and Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profile, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 13 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 26.4 feet, which was below the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9°C (48.0°F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2°C for Lake Whitefish or 21.5°C for Cisco indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for both species. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for Lake Whitefish and Cisco was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling. Data collected in 1988-2017 indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2017 (17.5°C). When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish or Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch in McFarland. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for McFarland. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

McFarland has a maximum depth of 49 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in McFarland is from 2021.

Yes — McFarland has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — McFarland has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.