Big Pine Lake

How big is Big Pine Lake?

How deep is Big Pine Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Big Pine Lake?

What are the closest cities to Big Pine Lake?

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

Big Pine Lake (North)

Big Pine Lake (South)

Are there boat launches on Big Pine Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Big Pine Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Big Pine Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Big Pine 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 Pine Lake?

Big Pine Lake is a 4,730-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in northeastern Otter Tail County approximately three miles east of Perham, MN. Big Pine Lake is part of the Otter Tail River Watershed and is connected to Little Pine and Rush Lakes via the Otter Tail River. The Otter Tail River inlet is located along the northwest shoreline while the outlet is located along the west shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of mixed hardwoods. The maximum depth of Big Pine Lake is 76 feet; however, fifty percent of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2023 survey was 6.7 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.5 to 8.5 feet.
The shoreline of Big Pine Lake has been extensively developed. Homes, cottages, and resorts compose the majority of the development. DNR owned concrete public water accesses are located along the northwest and southeast shorelines of the lake. A DNR owned earthen public water access is located along the north shoreline. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and rubble. Stands of hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice are scattered along the entire shoreline of the lake; however, the largest stands are along areas that haven't been highly developed and are located on the east, west and south shorelines. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush, cattail, and wild rice provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Big Pine Lake is a popular angling lake. The lake has a reputation as one of the premier Walleye angling lakes in Otter Tail County. A special gillnetting assessment was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
Walleye abundance has historically been high in Big Pine Lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.3 to 26.9 inches with an average length and weight of 13.7 inches and 1.1 pounds. Age and catch data indicate that the 2020 and 2022 year classes are very strong and should provide excellent Walleye angling for several years. Age and catch data from recent lake surveys also indicate that Walleye natural reproduction is substantial enough to consistently sustain the Walleye population at or the above the DNR management objective. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.2 inches at four years of age.
An experimental Walleye regulation was implemented on May 10, 2003. The regulation is an 18.0 to 26.0 protected slot limit with one Walleye over 26.0 inches allowed in possession. The intent of this regulation is to improve the size structure of the Walleye population in Big Pine Lake.
Northern Pike are also abundant and reproduction appears to be consistently good. Northern Pike ranged in length from 15.0 to 28.9 inches with an average length and weight of 21.9 inches and 2.2 pounds. Pike exhibit fast growth rates with an average length of 24.9 inches at four years of age.
Lake Sturgeon were sampled for the first time in Big Pine Lake during the 2017 survey. A Lake Sturgeon restoration plan for the Otter Tail River system began in 2002. Data from various surveys throughout the river system indicate that the restoration plan has been successful thus far.
The DNR controlled Otter Tail River outlet dam was removed in 2023 and replaced with a rock-rapids structure. This will allow water levels to be maintained at historical levels and will also allow for the passage of fish species both upstream and downstream of Big Pine Lake.
Anglers can maintain the quality of angling in Big Pine Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Big Pine Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2020. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. The non-native fish species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

What is the average air temp for Big Pine Lake?

Are there any state parks near Big Pine Lake?