Big Cormorant Lake
About Big Cormorant Lake
Big Cormorant Lake is a 3,657-acre lake near Audubon in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 75 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 18.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 76 Becker County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.6 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (asphalt 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 19, based on 51 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Cormorant Lake
- 3,657 acres, up to 75 feet deep, near Audubon
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt) — 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 18.6 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,657 acres
- Max depth
- 75 ft
- Shoreline
- 18.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 812 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
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt)
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
- 2025
- 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 19
- Years of record
- 51
- Earliest
- April 2, 2010
- Latest
- May 15, 2013
- Most recent
- May 10, 2023
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 Cormorant Lake
Compare Big Cormorant Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Big Cormorant Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Cormorant Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Middle Cormorant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park373 acres
2.3 miles away
Leif Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon521 acres
2.4 miles away
Rossman Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park273 acres
3 miles away
Lake Ida
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park632 acres
3.1 miles away
Upper Cormorant Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park974 acres
3.5 miles away
Little Cormorant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon1,067 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Cormorant Lake?
Big Cormorant Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Audubon. It covers 3,657 acres and reaches 75 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Cormorant Lake?
Big Cormorant Lake covers 3,657 acres with about 18.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 75 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Cormorant 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 Cormorant Lake?
Yes. Big Cormorant Lake has 2 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Cormorant Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Cormorant 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 Cormorant Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Cormorant Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Cormorant Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 51 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2010 and the latest is May 15, 2013.
Does Big Cormorant Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Cormorant 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.