Big Kandiyohi Lake
About Big Kandiyohi Lake
Big Kandiyohi Lake is a 2,730-acre lake near Lake Lillian in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 31 Kandiyohi County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. 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 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds and Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Big Kandiyohi Lake
- 2,730 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Lake Lillian
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds and Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,730 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,445 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 (concrete)
- Camping: Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds and Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds and Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds are mapped on or near Big Kandiyohi 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 Kandiyohi Lake
Compare Big Kandiyohi Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Big Kandiyohi Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Big Kandiyohi Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Big Kandiyohi Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Big Kandiyohi Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Kandiyohi Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Lillian
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Lake Lillian1,151 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Wakanda
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Svea1,760 acres
5 miles away
Lake Minnetaga
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Kandiyohi791 acres
7 miles away
Lake Elizabeth
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Atwater1,023 acres
8.4 miles away
Ella Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Atwater153 acres
8.7 miles away
Carrie Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Atwater89 acres
9.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Kandiyohi Lake?
Big Kandiyohi Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Lake Lillian. It covers 2,730 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Kandiyohi Lake?
Big Kandiyohi Lake covers 2,730 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Kandiyohi Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Kandiyohi Lake?
Yes. Big Kandiyohi Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Kandiyohi Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Kandiyohi 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 Kandiyohi Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Kandiyohi Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Big Kandiyohi Lake?
Yes. Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds and Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.