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We want to see what you've caught on Big Trout Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Big Trout Lake, MN
- How big is Big Trout Lake?
- How deep is Big Trout Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Trout Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Big Trout Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Trout Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Big Trout Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Trout Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Big Trout Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Big Trout Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Big Trout Lake?
How big is Big Trout Lake?
How deep is Big Trout Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Trout Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Finescale Dace, Golden Shiner, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Lake Whitefish, Logperch, Northern Redbelly Dace, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Big Trout Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Big Trout Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Big Trout Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Trout Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Big Trout Lake?
Explore the Big Trout Lake area in a RV
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2018 Winnebago View 24D with Murphy Bed. Very easy to drive and Immaculate!
Crosslake, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Big Trout Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Big Trout Lake is the only lake in the Brainerd management area that is stocked with lake trout. Big Trout covers 1,342 Acres, and is 128 feet deep. The littoral area, less than 15 ft deep, covers 27% of the lake. Water clarity is good with a secchi depth of 18 ft. A public boat access is located on the eastern shore, or boaters can access through a channel from Whitefish Lake. The lake is heavily developed with 237 homes, 2 resorts, and 2 youth camps along its 8.5 miles of shoreline. A 2010 survey of the plant community found 41 native species, and one invasive plant (curlyleaf pondweed). Protection of aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important for maintaining good water quality. Also vegetation is critical for fish spawning areas as well as providing cover for fish.
Northern pike were captured at the highest rate to date at 7.2/gillnet. Average length was 20.6 inches and weighing 2.1 lbs. Northern pike up to 34.4 inches were captured. Northern pike over 24 inches made up 19% of catch.
Walleyes are not stocked directly into Big Trout, but are stocked into connecting Whitefish Lake annually as fry, and every other year as fingerlings. The walleye gillnet catch of 0.7/net was low, but the average size was nice at 22.1 inches and weight at 4.2 lbs. Walleye up to 28.4 inches were caught.
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are present in Big Trout. Largemouth bass were sampled throughout the Whitefish Chain, including Big Trout, by a spring electrofishing survey. They were caught at a rate of 112.5/hr. More data can be found in the Whitefish lake report.
Bluegill numbers were above average, but their size leaves something to be desired. Average length was 4.9 inches, and only 5% were over 7 inches. The black crappie gillnet catch was average. All black crappies from gillnets were over 9 inches. All crappies captured in trapnets were from the 2010 year class and were less than 4 inches in length.
Tullibee (Cisco) numbers at 12.5/gillnet were well above average. Nearly all (98%) of tullibee (cisco) were between 6 and 8 inches in length. At this size they are a valuable forage species for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. Lake whitefish were also caught at above average numbers at a rate of 1.9/ gillnet. They averaged 1.7 lbs, and would be of interest to anglers.
No lake trout were sampled in this survey, though they are present in the lake and are stocked into Big trout every other year. Other fish species present in this survey included smallmouth bass, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, bowfin, greater redhorse, and green sunfish.
What is the average air temp for Big Trout Lake?
Are there any state parks near Big Trout Lake?
Crow Wing State Forest
Land O Lakes State Forest
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Pillsbury State Forest
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Big Trout Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Island Lake | 1.2 mi | 232 | 76 ft |
Island-loon Lake | 1.3 mi | 176 | 76 ft |
Rush Lake | 1.7 mi | 858 | 105 ft |
Meyer Lake | 1.9 mi | 53 | 53 ft |
Ox Lake | 2.0 mi | 241 | 74 ft |
Little Ox Lake | 2.0 mi | 46 | 72 ft |
Whitefish Lake | 2.6 mi | 7,716 | 138 ft |
Arrowhead Lake | 2.8 mi | 296 | 13 ft |
Pig Lake | 3.0 mi | 181 | 56 ft |
Pleasant Lake | 3.3 mi | 22 | 69 ft |