Big Fish Lake
Stearns County, Minnesota
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Fish Lake, MN
- How big is Big Fish Lake?
- How deep is Big Fish Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Fish Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Big Fish Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Fish Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Big Fish Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Big Fish Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Fish Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Big Fish Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Big Fish Lake?
How big is Big Fish Lake?
How deep is Big Fish Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Fish Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Least Darter, Spotfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Big Fish Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Big Fish Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Big Fish Lake?
Are there boat launches on Big Fish Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Fish Lake?
Explore the Big Fish 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 Fish 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 Fish Lake, located 5 miles north of Cold Spring in central Stearns County, is a scenic, clear water lake that offers a variety of angling and recreational opportunities. It has a maximum depth of 70 feet and a small watershed with a high percentage of undeveloped forest and grassland and a modest amount of cultivated farmland. A public access is located on the north side of the lake and offers two tiers of parking. The lake supports a diverse aquatic plant community that provide important fish habitat as well as shoreline protection from erosion. Some of the more common submergent plant species include: coontail, northern watermilfoil, flatstem pondweed, water celery, and Canada waterweed. Emergent and floating leaf vegetation was found along 17% of the shoreline with cattail and white waterlily being the most common species. In 2020, the water quality of Big Fish Lake was excellent with clarity of 30 feet during the first week of August. Anglers can expect plenty of action for small Bluegill and Northern Pike, excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, as well as the potential for quality sized Black Crappie and Walleye.
Northern Pike are abundant in Big Fish Lake and consist mainly of small "hammer handles". The gill net catch of pike was very similar to 2015 and average size remained small.
The net catch of Walleye in 2020 was less than half the expected rate for similar lakes but was similar to 2015. Walleye ranged in length from 7 to 24 inches with an average length and weight of 18 inches and 2.7 pounds. Growth rates of Walleye appear good but are limited by small sample sizes.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Largemouth Bass were not sampled in 2020. However, previous electrofishing assessments have yielded catch rates at or above the average for other lakes in the Sauk Rapids Management Area. Largemouth Bass sampled in the summer gill nets and trap nets ranged in length from five to 15 inches with an average length of 11 inches.
The Bluegill catch in 2020 was lower than 2015 but still within the expected range. Big Fish Lake does not have a history of producing large sunfish, but some larger Bluegills were sampled in 2020. Bluegill sampled ranged in length from six to nine inches; however only 2% of the catch were longer than eight inches. Black Crappies have historically been sampled in low numbers and this was the case again in 2020. Although few were sampled, quality fish up to 11 inches were observed.
Big Fish Lake is designated as infested with Zebra Mussels. Lake users are reminded to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species by remembering to pull their drain plug and drain all water from watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells as well as inspect and remove any aquatic plants from watercraft and trailers.
What is the average air temp for Big Fish Lake?
Are there any state parks near Big Fish Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Big Fish Lake Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Big Fish Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 0.6 mi | 22 | |
| Eagle Lake | 0.8 mi | 37 | 0 ft |
| Long Lake | 1.0 mi | 153 | 46 ft |
| Mud Lake | 1.4 mi | 30 | |
| Sand Lake | 1.9 mi | 114 | |
| Cedar Island Lake | 2.1 mi | 986 | 75 ft |
| Little Watab Lake | 2.1 mi | 57 | 22 ft |
| Lueken Lake | 2.5 mi | 12 | |
| Mud Lake | 2.6 mi | 30 | 0 ft |
| Big Watab Lake | 2.7 mi | 246 | 123 ft |
