Big Lake

How big is Big Lake?

How deep is Big Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Big Lake?

What are the closest cities to Big Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Big 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 Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Big Lake

Are there boat launches on Big Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Big Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Big Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Big Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Big Lake?

Big Lake is a 3,533 acre fishery that is very popular among local anglers and destination fishermen alike. Mostly known for Muskellunge and Walleye, large Yellow Perch and Bluegill have also been popular attractions in past years. Big Lake is located about 13 miles east of Bemidji in the Chippewa National Forest and has one public access on the east side maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Big Lake has a lot of structure and breaks as well as shallow back bays for cover on windy days. The lake has a maximum depth of 35 feet.

A special regulation protects Northern Pike from 24 through 36 inches with one allowed over 36 inches. Darkhouse spearing, which until recently was closed, is now open again to state anglers for pike and rough fish.

Four different assessments including Muskellunge spring trap netting, Largemouth Bass night electrofishing, a standard lake survey, and fall night electrofishing for young-of-the-year Walleye were conducted on Big Lake in 2015.

Walleye are the most popular species sought on Big Lake. During the standard survey, 79 Walleye were captured in 15 gillnets resulting in a catch rate of 5.3 fish/net, slightly above the 15 year average. The average length was 15.2 inches with the largest fish captured more than 24 inches, though larger fish have been reported. Walleye are stocked every spring as newly hatched fry at a rate of 1000 fry/littoral-acre. This fry stocking is evaluated in the fall with electrofishing to check on fry to fingerling survival. In just over one hour of field work, 44 Walleye fingerlings were captured and released resulting in a catch rate of 43 fish/hour. Catch rates at this level indicate a high likelihood of a successful year class.

Muskellunge are also very popular and also maintained with supplemental stocking. Because muskies tend to avoid the nets during standard surveys, spring trap net assessments are used to target mature fish during their spawning season. Netting in 2015 yielded 32 total Muskellunge with lengths up to 53.2 inches and individual weights just short of 30 pounds. Of the 30 muskies that were mature, 14 were males and 16 were females. All of the mature fish were marked with a fin clip that will be recognizable during follow-up electrofishing in 2016 where the ratio of new and recaptured fish will generate a population estimate.

Northern Pike were sampled during the standard survey with a catch rate of 8.4 fish/net. Lengths observed were generally small, though reports from lake shore owners indicate that there are some decent sized pike in Big Lake. Either way, pike can provide an excellent opportunity for young anglers or simply provide some action when other fish refuse to bite.

Bluegill are abundant and can occasionally achieve larger sizes. During the survey in 2015, 102 Bluegills were captured in trap nets with lengths up to 8.7 inches. Size structure appears to be declining in recent years, probably because of increased angling pressure.

Largemouth Bass were captured during a night electrofishing assessment in early June of 2015. During a little more than two hours of operating time, 154 bass were captured resulting in an excellent catch rate of 73 fish/hour. Lengths exceeded 19 inches and averaged just over 13 inches. Big Lake isn't generally thought of as a bass lake but there are plenty of nice-sized, healthy fish to pursue.

Yellow Perch are very abundant with a few exceeding the 10 inch mark. A total of 245 fish were captured in gillnets with lengths ranging from 5.2 to 11.4 inches and a mean size of 7.2 inches. Just over 27% of YEP were over eight inches in length and 11% were over nine inches. Perch are one of the most important species in Big Lake, not only from a sport fish standpoint, but also as prey for larger Walleyes, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge. Perch provide the forage base for the lake as well as draw predation away from young Walleyes.

Cisco (tullibee) are another important species for Big Lake. Thriving in cool, clean water, their presence is an indication of good water quality. A total of 49 were captured in gillnets with lengths up to 15.9 inches present. Much like perch, tullibee are valuable prey species as they are easy to digest and contain a lot of energy and fats.

What is the average air temp for Big Lake?

Are there any state parks near Big Lake?