Big Pine Lake
About Big Pine Lake
Big Pine Lake is a 4,728-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie, sunfish, and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (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 24, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Pine Lake
- 4,728 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Perham
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.4 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,728 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,386 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- 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
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
- Walleye: All from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 24
- Years of record
- 21
- Earliest
- March 30, 2016
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- May 3, 2023
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 Pine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Pine Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham2,080 acres
3.7 miles away
Bear Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham198 acres
6.4 miles away
Dead Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Evergreen270 acres
8.1 miles away
Devils Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham355 acres
8.1 miles away
Boedigheimer Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Richville169 acres
8.3 miles away
Rush Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Ottertail5,276 acres
8.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 4,728 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake covers 4,728 acres with about 14.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Pine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Sturgeon, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Pine Lake?
Yes. Big Pine Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Pine Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Pine 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 Pine Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Pine Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Pine Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Daily limit 10. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Big Pine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2016 and the latest is May 7, 2022.
Does Big Pine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Pine 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.