Big Sugar Bush Lake

How big is Big Sugar Bush Lake?

How deep is Big Sugar Bush Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Big Sugar Bush Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Big Sugar Bush Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Big Sugar Bush Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Big Sugar Bush Lake

Are there boat launches on Big Sugar Bush Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Big Sugar Bush Lake?

Big Sugar Bush is a 472-acre, scenic lake with many bays and peninsulas, located in north-central Becker County within the White Earth Reservation. Water clarity remains high with an average secchi disk reading of 18.4 feet and many lakeshore property owners have retained natural shoreline characteristics that preserve aesthetic and water qualities. A diverse fish community provides a variety of angling opportunities.

The northern pike gill net catch in 2012 was 11.9 per net which was the highest catch rate for pike since 1964. Young fish dominated the sample with two and three year old fish accounting for nearly 90% of the sample. Northern pike growth rates were similar to statewide averages, but it still takes about seven or eight years to grow a rare, 30-inch pike in Big Sugar Bush. The average length of northern pike sampled was 18.3 inches.

Increased walleye fry stocking in the late 1990's and early 2000's did not produce successful year classes or improve the walleye test net catches. Consequently, stocking plans reverted to fingerlings at an increased rate beginning in 2004. After two evaluation periods, walleye catches have increased. The walleye gill net catch rate in 2012 of 4.4 per net was slightly higher than catch rates in the past seven evaluations, but still below the management goal of 5.0 walleyes per net. Some anglers also reported better walleye fishing during the past few years. The current stocking regimen will likely be maintained for at least one more evaluation cycle (five years) before any potential changes are made. If it is determined that this stocking scheme is achieving the long range goal it will probably be maintained.

Bluegill trap net catches have declined to the lowest level in history. While the catch rate of 12.8 bluegills per net is still within the normal range for similar lakes, it is about half the previous low found in 2002. Sampled bluegills were from two to 10 years old (most were age five or six) and they exhibited a slow growth rate of 5.1 inches in four years which was typical for this lake. The mean length of the bluegills sampled was 7.0 inches and several over eight inches were found.

Yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass, brown and yellow bullhead, hybrid and pumpkinseed sunfish, and white sucker were also found during test netting. Bass averaged 10.4 inches while crappies averaged 9.0 inches in length.

Preserving and restoring natural vegetation is critical in preserving water quality, fish habitat, and the entire lake ecosystem. Lakeshore residents continue to work to protect natural shoreline and lake vegetation. For example, the active lake association has been instrumental in acquiring and donating a large peninsula as a wildlife management area. This group has also opposed large-scale shoreline development projects that they feel would forever change the character of Big Sugar Bush Lake.

What is the average air temp for Big Sugar Bush Lake?