Big Sugar Bush Lake
About Big Sugar Bush Lake
Big Sugar Bush Lake is a 522-acre lake near Richwood in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 25 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Sugar Bush Lake
- 522 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Richwood
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 522 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 297 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 25
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 20, 2026
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 Sugar Bush Lake
Compare Big Sugar Bush Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Big Sugar Bush Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Big Sugar Bush Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Big Sugar Bush Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Sugar Bush Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Sugar Bush Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood221 acres
2.9 miles away
Net Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth230 acres
4.2 miles away
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth126 acres
4.4 miles away
Strawberry Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,498 acres
4.4 miles away
Buffalo Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood418 acres
5.1 miles away
White Earth Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,989 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Big Sugar Bush Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. It covers 522 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Big Sugar Bush Lake covers 522 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Yes. Big Sugar Bush Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Sugar Bush Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Sugar Bush 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 Sugar Bush Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Sugar Bush Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Sugar Bush Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 25 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 6, 2022.