McDougal Springs
Douglas County, Wisconsin
About McDougal Springs
McDougal Springs is a prized trout lake in the Douglas County Northwoods — cold, clear, and ideal for fly fishing, a intimate 3-acre lake reaching 7 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers primarily target Trout.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 15% rock, 85% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SPRING
Lake Location
46.44430° N, 91.64560° W
WBIC 2869400 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Trout hold in the deepest, coolest water during summer. Early morning stillwater fishing or bottom rigs near spring seeps is productive.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
McDougal Springs has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 3-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for McDougal Springs are coming soon. Know a great spot near McDougal Springs? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Douglas County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
McDougal Springs is one of Douglas County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about McDougal Springs that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in McDougal Springs?
McDougal Springs is home to Trout (Common). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on McDougal Springs?
McDougal Springs does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is McDougal Springs?
McDougal Springs has 3 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 7 feet, a mean depth of 1 feet.
What is the bottom of McDougal Springs like?
The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 0% gravel, 15% rock, 85% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in McDougal Springs?
No invasive species are currently documented in McDougal Springs by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is McDougal Springs located?
McDougal Springs is located in Douglas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.4443° N, 91.6456° W.
Are there vacation rentals on McDougal Springs?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Douglas County lakes. Check our McDougal Springs vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Douglas County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for McDougal Springs
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2869400
- County
- Douglas County
- Surface Area
- 3 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Mean Depth
- 1 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 0% gravel, 15% rock, 85% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.4443, -91.6456
Nearby Trails
North Country National Scenic Trail — Wisconsin
220 mi · Douglas/Bayfield/Ashland/Iron County
Bois Brule River
44 mi · Douglas County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near McDougal Springs? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.