Big Pine Lake
About Big Pine Lake
Big Pine Lake is a 638-acre lake near Cutler in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Pine Lake
- 638 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Cutler
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 16.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 638 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 259 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2023
- Most recent
- April 14, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Pine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Garrison737 acres
2.1 miles away
Turtle Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nichols108 acres
2.5 miles away
Partridge Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nichols188 acres
3 miles away
Long / Tame Fish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)127 acres
4.1 miles away
Kenney Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison109 acres
4.2 miles away
Bay
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)2,330 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Cutler. It covers 638 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake covers 638 acres with about 6.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Pine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Pine Lake?
Yes. Big Pine Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Pine Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Pine Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Big Pine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Pine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Pine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2023.
Does Big Pine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Pine Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.