(1)Today's Best Fishing Times
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The lake is a popular destination for fishing, with walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and perch being the most commonly caught species. Anglers can fish from shore or by boat, with several boat ramps located around the lake. The lake is also home to several resorts and campgrounds, providing a range of accommodations for visitors.
In addition to fishing, Big Stone Lake offers opportunities for boating, swimming, and water sports. The lake is surrounded by several parks, including Big Stone Lake State Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach.
The area around Big Stone Lake is also rich in history and culture, with several museums and historic sites located nearby. The Big Stone County Historical Society Museum in Ortonville features exhibits on the area's Native American history, pioneer life, and agriculture.
Overall, Big Stone Lake is a beautiful natural resource and a popular recreational destination for visitors to Minnesota and South Dakota.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Stone Lake, MN
- How big is Big Stone Lake?
- How deep is Big Stone Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Stone Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Big Stone Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Big Stone Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Stone Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Big Stone Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Big Stone Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Stone Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Big Stone Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Big Stone Lake?
How big is Big Stone Lake?
How deep is Big Stone Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Stone Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bigmouth Shiner, Blacknose Dace, Blackside Darter, Bluntnose Minnow, Brassy Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Central Stoneroller, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Freshwater Drum, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hornyhead Chub, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Orangespotted Sunfish, Quillback, Rosyface Shiner, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Spotfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Big Stone Lake?
What are the closest cities to Big Stone Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Big Stone Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Big Stone Lake?
Are there boat launches on Big Stone Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Stone Lake?
Explore the Big Stone Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Big Stone 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 Stone Lake is in western Minnesota adjacent to the town of Ortonville on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. It is 27 miles long, up to one mile wide, 12,610 acres, and has a maximum depth of 16 feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks comanage the fishery and Border Waters fishing regulations apply.
Big Stone Lake provides good fishing for yellow perch, bluegills, largemouth bass, walleyes, white bass, black crappies and freshwater drum. This Targeted Survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using gill nets and shoreline seining. This data can be compared to historical Standard and Targeted Survey data from Big Stone Lake.
Yellow perch were abundant in 2023. They were present from a wide range of sizes, with a high number of 8-9 inch fish. Perch fishing has been very good for many years. During the last couple of years, a fair amount of sorting has been required to obtain a meal of "eater-sized" perch. Given the high numbers of smaller perch that were present in 2023, along with relatively fast growth rates, continued good perch fishing is expected.
Largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie numbers have increased significantly during recent years. This is largely due to a substantial change in habitat, with rooted plants becoming much more abundant and the water becoming clearer. This habitat type suits these species very well. The largemouth bass population has been so impressive that Big Stone has become a "destination lake" for bass anglers and tournaments. Bluegills have grown fast and anglers frequently catch them larger than 9 inches. Anglers have also been catching "quality-sized" black crappies. Young bluegills and crappies were abundant in 2023 and will likely provide good fishing well into the future.
Walleyes were present in good numbers and from a wide range of sizes. Walleyes from the 2016 year class have been most abundant during recent years and they averaged 24 inches in 2023. Walleyes in Big Stone Lake grow fast and some can reach 14 inches in their second summer. Natural reproduction and supplemental fry stocking have maintained the population. Walleyes have plenty of forage available which can make them difficult to catch at times.
Northern pike numbers have generally been low, however, enough trophy-sized pike have been present to attract attention. Some anglers and spearers have reported decent success fishing for pike.
Fishing for white bass and freshwater drum has been good in recent years. These species have white flesh and are good to eat. Their flavor can be improved by keeping slime off the fillets when cleaning them and by trimming away the reddish meat from the skin side of the fillets.
Lake sturgeon have been stocked annually since 2014 and they have survived well. It has become common for anglers to see and catch them, with some over 50 inches caught. Anglers can catch and release sturgeon in the Minnesota territorial waters during the open season, but no harvest is allowed. Consult the Minnesota and South Dakota fishing regulations for more information including season dates.
Curly-leaf pondweed has become well established in Big Stone Lake since first being found in the early 2000's. Curly-leaf pondweed can form dense surface mats during early summer which can interfere with boating. This is usually a temporary situation as the plant usually dies-back in July. The amount of curly-leaf that grows each year can vary considerably based on water clarity. Although the plant can provide challenges for boating, it provides valuable fish habitat for many desirable species.
What is the average air temp for Big Stone Lake?
Are there any state parks near Big Stone Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Big Stone Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Big Stone Lake | 1.5 mi | 12,610 | |
| Big Stone Lake | 1.5 mi | 12,610 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.1 mi | 17 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.3 mi | 10 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.5 mi | 49 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.5 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.6 mi | 35 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 6.7 mi | 89 | |
| Bullhead Lake | 7.0 mi | 507 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 7.1 mi | 54 |
