Big Stone Lake
About Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake is an 11,984-acre lake near Ortonville in Big Stone County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 119.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Big Stone County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.7 feet. The lake is a border water shared with South Dakota, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 23 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 14 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Big Stone Lake State Park Campground and Riverside Park Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 10, based on 125 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Stone Lake
- 11,984 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Ortonville
- 14 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Big Stone Lake State Park Campground and Riverside Park Campground
- Border water with South Dakota — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 14 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 11,984 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 119.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 4,795 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with South Dakota differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 14 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Big Stone Lake State Park Campground, Riverside Park Campground, and Big Stone County Toqua Park
- Fishing pier
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 23
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- 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 10
- Years of record
- 125
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 8, 2013
- Most recent
- March 26, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Big Stone Lake State Park Campground, Riverside Park Campground, and Big Stone County Toqua Park are mapped on or near Big Stone Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Stone Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Eli Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton162 acres
9.9 miles away
Barry Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Barry398 acres
10.2 miles away
Swenson Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton204 acres
10.2 miles away
North Rothwell Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton297 acres
10.6 miles away
East Toqua Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville437 acres
12.9 miles away
Lannon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville197 acres
12.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Stone Lake?
Big Stone Lake is in Big Stone County, Minnesota, near Ortonville. It covers 11,984 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Stone Lake?
Big Stone Lake covers 11,984 acres with about 119.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Stone Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Lake Sturgeon, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Stone Lake?
Yes. Big Stone Lake has 14 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Stone Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Big Stone Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Stone Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Stone Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 125 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 8, 2013.
Can you camp at Big Stone Lake?
Yes. Big Stone Lake State Park Campground, Riverside Park Campground, and Big Stone County Toqua Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Big Stone Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Stone 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.