Big Trout Lake
About Big Trout Lake
Big Trout Lake is a 1,366-acre lake near Manhattan Beach in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 128 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 52 feet, and has roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. 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 23, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Trout Lake
- 1,366 acres, up to 128 feet deep, near Manhattan Beach
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 13.2 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,366 acres
- Max depth
- 128 ft
- Average depth
- 52 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 369 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 20
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, 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 23
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 7, 2021
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 23, 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 Trout Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Island Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake232 acres
1.2 miles away
Rush Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake858 acres
1.7 miles away
Ox Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach241 acres
2 miles away
Arrowhead Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach296 acres
2.8 miles away
Pig Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake196 acres
3 miles away
Whitefish Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake7,714 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Trout Lake?
Big Trout Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Manhattan Beach. It covers 1,366 acres and reaches 128 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Trout Lake?
Big Trout Lake covers 1,366 acres with about 8.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 128 feet and its average depth is about 52 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Trout Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Trout Lake?
Yes. Big Trout Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Trout Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Trout 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 Trout Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Trout Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Trout Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Big Trout Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 7, 2021 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Big Trout Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Trout 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.