Big Lake
About Big Lake
Big Lake is a 3,598-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 16.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 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 25, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Lake
- 3,598 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.1 feet
- 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
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,598 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 16.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,106 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
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 25
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 12, 2008
- Most recent
- April 26, 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 Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Silver Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia132 acres
2.7 miles away
Big Rice Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington642 acres
3.6 miles away
Andrusia Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake1,596 acres
3.8 miles away
Swenson Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji412 acres
4 miles away
Little Rice Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington123 acres
4 miles away
Lost Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia130 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Lake?
Big Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 3,598 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake covers 3,598 acres with about 16.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Lake?
Yes. Big Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big 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 Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Big Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 12, 2008.
Does Big Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big 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.