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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Stone NWR East Pool, MN
- How big is Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- What are the closest cities to Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Stone NWR East Pool area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- What is the average air temp for Big Stone NWR East Pool?
- Are there any state parks near Big Stone NWR East Pool?
How big is Big Stone NWR East Pool?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Stone NWR East Pool?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Fathead Minnow, Freshwater Drum, Golden Redhorse, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Longnose Dace, Orangespotted Sunfish, Quillback, Shorthead Redhorse, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Big Stone NWR East Pool?
What are the closest cities to Big Stone NWR East Pool?
Are there places to stay in the Big Stone NWR East Pool area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Stone NWR East Pool?
History & Status of the Fishery
The East Pool of the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (East Pool) is a reservoir of the Minnesota River with water levels regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for waterfowl and shorebirds. Public access is allowed but motorized equipment is not. Shore fishing exists along the face of the highway 75 dam, in its tail waters, and at a handicapped-accessible shore fishing location at No-Bridge, just outside of Odessa. Fishing opportunities also exist at the low flow structure (including handicap-accessible) in the northeast corner of the East Pool. Ice fishing is also common during winter months.
Twenty-three fish species were sampled in 2013 compared to 30 in 2008. Underutilized species such as black bullhead, white sucker, and shorthead redhorse were the most abundant species sampled. Game fish species were sampled in low abundance. Sampled black crappie ranged from 5 - 11 inches, channel catfish from 7 - 25 inches, northern pike from 21 - 32 inches, and walleye from 12 - 17 inches. Although abundances were low, anglers have reported having moderate success for northern pike and walleye, particular during winter.
Future fish management activities include stocking 1.5 million walleye fry in 2014, and fish population assessment in 2018.
What is the average air temp for Big Stone NWR East Pool?
Are there any state parks near Big Stone NWR East Pool?
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 Stone NWR East Pool...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| BSNWR West Pool | 3.6 mi | 499 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.6 mi | 10 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.8 mi | 40 | |
| Horseshoe Lake | 4.3 mi | 32 | |
| Mud Lake | 4.9 mi | 74 | |
| Peterson Lake | 5.4 mi | 91 | 20 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 5.8 mi | 10 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 5.8 mi | 10 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 5.9 mi | 25 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.0 mi | 10 |
