Big Swan Lake
About Big Swan Lake
Big Swan Lake is a 684-acre lake near Kingston in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 4, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Swan Lake
- 684 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Kingston
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 2.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 684 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 338 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
- 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
- 22
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 4
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 30, 2007
- Latest
- May 6, 2005
- Most recent
- April 5, 2020
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 Swan Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Swan Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel51 acres
1.1 miles away
Arvilla Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kingston138 acres
1.5 miles away
Long Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel164 acres
2.8 miles away
Spring Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel201 acres
3.9 miles away
Brooks Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Cokato100 acres
5.3 miles away
Lake Francis
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kingston1,053 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Swan Lake?
Big Swan Lake is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Kingston. It covers 684 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Swan Lake?
Big Swan Lake covers 684 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Swan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Swan Lake?
Yes. Big Swan Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Swan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Swan 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 Swan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Swan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Swan Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2007 and the latest is May 6, 2005.
Does Big Swan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Swan 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.