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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Watab Lake, MN
- How big is Big Watab Lake?
- How deep is Big Watab Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Watab Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Watab Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Big Watab Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Watab Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Big Watab Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Big Watab Lake?
How big is Big Watab Lake?
How deep is Big Watab Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Watab Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Least Darter, Pugnose Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Big Watab Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Big Watab Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Watab Lake?
Explore the Big Watab Lake area in a RV
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Extremely light, very easy to tow 2019 Gulf Stream Amerilite
Cold spring, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Big Watab 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 Watab is a small (217 acres) lake located three miles south of Avon in Stearns County. There is a state-owned public access on the northeast side which has enough parking for 12 vehicle/trailer combinations as well as a dock and portable toilet. Anglers may want to note that on summer weekends the public access fills quickly in the morning and late-comers must have alternate plans. A standard summer survey was conducted in 2016 to monitor changes in the fishery from the last survey completed in 2008 as well as near shore Index of Biotic Integrity sampling and emergent and floating leaf vegetation mapping to evaluate the physical habitat of Big Watab Lake.
The lake is deep (123 feet), and clear (10 year average secchi depth 16 feet) and well oxygenated at 50 feet (4 mg/l at 46? F). The aquatic plant community is diverse and plants grew out to a depth of 28 feet at the time of the last submerged plant survey in 2008. Chara was the only aquatic plant that was abundant and widespread. While northern milfoil and several other beneficial pondweeds (bushy, clasping-leaf, floating-leaf, Illinois, and sago) were widely distributed, but rare in abundance. Emergent and floating leaf vegetation was mapped and covered approximately 16% of the shoreline with bulrush and yellow waterlily being the most common. Changes in shoreline development have the potential to negatively affect the health of a lake. It is important that all lake shore owners follow County shoreline rules and only mow a small area down to the lake to allow access and avoid clearing their entire shoreline. Native vegetation helps stabilize shoreline soils and acts as a buffer reducing the amount of pollution that enters a lake from runoff.
Rainbow and Brown Trout are the primary managed species in Big Watab Lake. Rainbow Trout have been stocked annually since 1989 (10,000 yearlings) and Brown Trout annually since 1994 (2,000 yearlings). By all accounts, the trout management has been very successful. Anglers have harvested a high percentage of stocked fish and yet some growth has been realized as well. Catch rates are highest in spring after stocking, then decline as summer temperatures force trout into the thermocline.
The Northern Pike catch in 2016 was similar to that of 2008 and at the upper end of the expected range for its Lake Class. Pike ranged from 9 to 36 inches but most were small with an average weight of 1.4 pounds. Anglers are encouraged to harvest small pike (under 22 inches) and release larger ones to help achieve a more balanced fish community and to improve growth rates. Lower pike numbers may also increase Walleye stocking success and allow Yellow Perch numbers (which are low) to increase. Higher perch populations are desirable as they are an important prey species for both Walleye and Northern Pike.
Walleye fingerlings have been stocked every two years in Big Watab Lake. The catch rate in 2016 has remained below the normal range for its Lake Class where it has been since 1999.
The catch rate of Largemouth Bass was nearly four times higher than the average day-time catch rate for lakes in the Sauk Rapids Management Area, but the average size was less than one pound. Anglers can expect good fishing for small Largemouth Bass with the chance of catching fish over 20 inches in length.
The Bluegill catch decreased from the 2008 survey but was within the range of expected values for its Lake Class. Bluegill ranged in length from 4 to 9 inches and averaged 6.7 inches. The Black Crappie catch was unchanged from the previous survey and remained below the range of expected values. Historically Black Crappie abundance has been low in Big Watab Lake.
Other species sampled during the survey were: Black Bullhead, Brown Trout, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead. All of these species were sampled at rates either within or below the range of expected values for the respective lake class.
What is the average air temp for Big Watab Lake?
Are there any state parks near Big Watab Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Big Watab Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Schmid Lake | 1.0 mi | 38 | 34 ft |
Kalla Lake | 1.7 mi | 106 | 48 ft |
Long Lake | 2.3 mi | 153 | 46 ft |
Kreigle Lake | 2.3 mi | 102 | 66 ft |
Big Fish Lake | 2.5 mi | 557 | 70 ft |
Minnie Lake | 2.5 mi | 27 | 57 ft |
Island Lake | 2.5 mi | 116 | 41 ft |
Pitts Lake | 2.6 mi | 114 | 18 ft |
Big Spunk Lake | 3.1 mi | 415 | 38 ft |
Koop Lake | 3.1 mi | 60 | 52 ft |