Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

Apgar, Flathead County, MT
11mi²
969.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Lake McDonald, a jewel nestled within the pristine landscapes of Flathead County, Montana, is a natural wonder that captivates the heart and soul of all who visit. Encompassing a vast expanse of 6,867 acres and located near the charming village of Apgar, this iconic lake stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty that the region has to offer. Perched at an elevation of 3,148 feet, Lake McDonald presents a unique blend of grandeur and tranquility, inviting visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and bask in its natural splendor. As the sun rises over the towering peaks that encircle Lake McDonald, the tranquil waters come alive with a symphony of colors. The cerulean blue of the lake perfectly mirrors the skies above, creating an enchanting tableau of reflection and serenity. Nestled within the embrace of the majestic mountains, the lake's rugged shores are home to an array of wildlife and plant species, each adding to the vibrant tapestry of life that flourishes in this corner of Montana. For anglers seeking a memorable experience, Lake McDonald offers an abundance of opportunities. The lake's crystal-clear waters are home to a diverse range of fish species, each presenting its own unique challenge. Whether casting a line for the elusive bull trout, the vibrant kokanee salmon, or the prized lake trout, anglers are treated to an immersive fishing experience. The thrill of reeling in a rainbow trout or encountering the iconic westslope cutthroat trout is matched only by the serene surroundings that Lake McDonald provides. The lake's underwater world is a captivating realm of aquatic diversity. Schools of mountain whitefish glide gracefully beneath the surface, while curious northern pike minnows dart in and out of the submerged vegetation. The elusive pygmy whitefish and the shimmering redside shiner contribute to the delicate balance of the lake's ecosystem. As anglers cast their lines and connect with the rhythm of the water, they become part of a storied tradition that has been woven into the fabric of Montana's wilderness. Lake McDonald's beauty extends beyond its waters. The surrounding landscapes are adorned with lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes that provide a haven for wildlife. The call of a loon echoes across the lake, while the sighting of a bald eagle soaring overhead adds a touch of majesty to the experience. The interplay of light and shadow on the water's surface creates a mesmerizing dance that reflects the dynamic relationship between the lake and the surrounding environment. Whether embarking on a serene boat ride across the tranquil waters or casting a line in pursuit of the lake's prized inhabitants, Lake McDonald offers an unparalleled connection to the natural world. Its elevation of 3,148 feet adds an element of elevation-induced transformation to the experience, reminding us that the pursuit of adventure often leads us to new heights, both physically and spiritually. For those who seek to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of Montana's wilderness, Lake McDonald stands as a timeless invitation to explore, discover, and embrace the awe-inspiring wonders that await at every turn.

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Current Conditions

50°F°
Feels like 42°F°
MostlyCloudy
Today's High
52°F°
Today's Low
37°F°

Water Temperature

39°F
Updated: (May 11)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lake McDonald is 39°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind10 mph SW (Gust 18 mph)
Pressure
29.61 inHg
Visibility21 mi
Humidity47%
Cloud Cover81%

Forecast: Tuesday, May 13

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
38°F°
10 AM
44°F°
7%
1 PM
47°F°
9%
4 PM
50°F°
11%

Temperature

High
52°F°
Low
37°F°

Precipitation

Chance30%
Amount0.09"
Typerain

Wind

3mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
12mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed6 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise11:56 AM
Sunset3:08 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index4 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
3/5

Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

7:25 AM - 9:55 AM

4:32 PM - 7:02 PM

Minor Times (Good)

4:29 AM - 5:59 AM

11:24 AM - 12:54 PM

Outlook for Tuesday at Lake McDonald

Expect temperatures ranging from 37°F to 52°F. There's a 30% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.09" rain. Winds will be averaging 3 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 12 mph. The maximum UV index will be 4 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 3/5 (Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 7:25 AM and 4:32 PM, or try the minor windows near 4:29 AM and 11:24 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lake McDonald.

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May 12th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
969 ft
Area
11 mi²
Coordinates
48.632, -113.875

Weather Forecast

Tuesday

52°F
37°F

Wednesday

52°F
37°F

Thursday

46°F
38°F

Friday

46°F
37°F

Saturday

52°F
37°F

Sunday

48°F
40°F

Monday

51°F
38°F

Tuesday

50°F
40°F

Wednesday

54°F
41°F
Tuesday - 5/13/2025
52°F
37°F
12am
41°F
39°F
29.70 hPa
1 mph
SSW
G: 1 mph
2am
39°F
39°F
29.75 hPa
3 mph
SSW
G: 6 mph
4am
38°F
39°F
29.79 hPa
2 mph
SSE
G: 4 mph
6am
37°F
39°F
29.81 hPa
2 mph
ESE
G: 2 mph
8am
41°F
39°F
29.83 hPa
1 mph
NE
G: 2 mph
10am
44°F
39°F
29.85 hPa
3 mph
WSW
G: 5 mph
12pm
46°F
39°F
29.80 hPa
4 mph
NNW
G: 10 mph
2pm
49°F
39°F
29.79 hPa
3 mph
NNW
G: 7 mph
4pm
50°F
39°F
29.79 hPa
5 mph
NE
G: 12 mph
6pm
52°F
39°F
29.79 hPa
3 mph
NNE
G: 9 mph
8pm
49°F
39°F
29.78 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 6 mph
10pm
43°F
39°F
29.81 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 6 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Lake McDonald

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

33°F

On Jan 5

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

44°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (69°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (34°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: June → July (+15°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-10°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm036912

Wind Direction

205°

Pressure

1006 mb

Cloud Cover

31%

Visibility

18 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

TueWedThuFriSatSunMonTueWed0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake McDonald

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