McDonough

Dakota County

Near Eagan

DOW: 19007600

Green SunfishAverage · 48BluegillAverage · 36PumpkinseedPoor · 22

A 18-acre lake near Eagan in Dakota County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 2015.

Fish Species (4)

Green Sunfish

Average · 48

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

6.0"

Avg Weight

0.19 lbs

Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net · typical 0.4–3.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 27, 2015	0.25	6.0"	0.19 lbs	Standard trap nets

Bluegill

Average · 36

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.0"

Avg Weight

0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 2.5 per trap net · typical 2.8–43.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable bluegill10% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 90%Largest sampled 8"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 27, 2015	2.50	4.0"	0.10 lbs	Standard trap nets

Pumpkinseed

Poor · 22

Typical numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

3.0"

Avg Weight

0.04 lbs

Catch rate: 1.8 per trap net · typical 0.8–9.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable pumpkinseed0% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 4"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 27, 2015	1.75	3.0"	0.04 lbs	Standard trap nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

Black Bullhead

Average · 41

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

7.9"

Avg Weight

0.32 lbs

Catch rate: 1.8 per trap net · typical 2.5–70.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 27, 2015	1.75	7.9"	0.32 lbs	Standard trap nets

Biologist Notes

July 27, 2015McDonough Lake is a shallow marshy 15-acre lake located in the City of Eagan. The lake has a walking trail and fishing pier and is located entirely wi…

McDonough Lake is a shallow marshy 15-acre lake located in the City of Eagan. The lake has a walking trail and fishing pier and is located entirely within the bounds of the Lebanon Hills Park, which is managed by Dakota County Parks and Recreation Department. McDonough Lake has been managed by the Fishing in the Neighborhood Program (FiN) since 2010 and has been stocked with Black Crappie (2010 through 2012) and Bluegill Sunfish (2010 through 2015). An agreement with Dakota County was reached in 2012 to aerate the lake in the winter as it was prone to frequent winterkill. Prior to FiN management, McDonough Lake was used with some success as a Walleye rearing pond in the late 70's and again in 1990. This survey represents the first comprehensive examination of McDonough Lake since 1964, when the lake was first investigated as a candidate for intensive fish management. Four species of fish were sampled by trapnet in this survey, Bluegill Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Black Bullhead. Bluegill, Pumpkinseed and Green Sunfish were all found in low abundance and below average size. Black Bullheads are also present in the lake and were sampled low abundance also. However the fish observed were good sized and would be worth the angling effort for those who enjoy bullhead fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in McDonough?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Green Sunfish, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed in McDonough. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at McDonough?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for McDonough. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is McDonough?

McDonough has a maximum depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in McDonough last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in McDonough is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.