Big Lake

How big is Big Lake?

How deep is Big Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Big Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Big Lake?

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Big Lake

Are there boat launches on Big Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Big Lake?

Big Lake is a 458 acre recreational development lake located three miles southwest of the City of Richmond. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet and good water quality. Twenty one species of aquatic plants were identified with submersed plants growing to a maximum depth of 9.5 feet. Curly leaf pondweed was sparse and grew at or near the surface on less than 1% of the lake surface area. Big Lake is primarily managed for northern pike and walleye. Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year. There is one public access and two private accesses (Joe's Last Resort and Twilight Acres Resort) located on the lake.

Since the 1984 survey, catch rates of northern pike have been below average; however, the average weight has been above average. The catch rate of northern pike in 2012 was the second highest on record, but within expected values for similar lakes. Average size was lower than 2002, but also within the range of expected values. Northern pike collected ranged in length from 14 to 33 inches with an average length and weight of 22 inches and 2.4 pounds. Growth of northern pike was fast for females and average for males. Females grew to 23 inches in 4 years, whereas males grew to 21 inches in 4 years.

Walleye fingerlings have been stocked in alternating years for the past 40 years although fry stocking was experimented with in 2003, 2005, and 2006. Due to poor survival, fry stocking was discontinued and management returned to fingerling stocking in 2007. The catch rate of walleye in 2012 was similar to 2002 and above expected values. This is the third consecutive survey that the walleye catch has been above average. Walleye collected ranged in length from 7 to 27 inches with an average length and weight of 17 inches and 1.8 pounds. Growth was fast with both males and females reaching 15 inches in 3 years.

Yellow perch abundance remains low similar to past surveys. Only five yellow perch were sampled during the survey and three of those were young of the year (YOY).

Largemouth bass were sampled during daytime electrofishing on May 10, 2012. A total of 85 largemouth bass were captured in 0.9 hours of effort for a catch rate of 91/hour. Largemouth bass ranged in length from 6 to 17 inches with an average length and weight of 11 inches and 0.9 pounds. Largemouth bass growth was average, reaching 11.5 inches in 4 years.

The catch of black crappie in 2012 was similar to past surveys and within the range of expected values for similar lakes; however, the gill net catch was above expected values for similar lakes. Black crappies collected during the survey ranged from 4 to 11 inches with an average length of 7.5 inches. Growth was average with black crappie reaching 8.6 inches in 4 years.

The bluegill population appeared normal, but average size was low; 76% of the bluegills sampled were less than 6 inches long. Bluegill collected ranged in length from 3 to 8.5 inches with an average length of 5 inches. Growth was slow with bluegill reaching 6.8 inches in 6 years.

Other species captured during the survey including banded killifish, blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, bowfin (dogfish), brook silverside, brook stickleback, central mudminnow, fathead minnow, green, hybrid, and pumpkinseed sunfish, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, pugnose shiner, tadpole madtom, white sucker and yellow bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Big Lake?

Are there any state parks near Big Lake?