Big Pine Lake
About Big Pine Lake
Big Pine Lake is a 399-acre lake near Finlayson in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Waldheim Resort is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 62 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Pine Lake
- 399 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Finlayson
- 2 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
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Waldheim Resort
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 399 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 135 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: Waldheim Resort
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- 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 18
- Years of record
- 62
- Earliest
- March 11, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 1975
- Most recent
- April 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Waldheim Resort is mapped on or near Big Pine 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 Pine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Upper Pine Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson233 acres
2.1 miles away
Pine Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Finlayson378 acres
2.2 miles away
Rhine Lake
23 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson116 acres
2.9 miles away
Bass Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson228 acres
3.7 miles away
Grass Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Groningen125 acres
4.6 miles away
Fish Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson185 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Finlayson. It covers 399 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake covers 399 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet and its average depth is about 15 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, and Rock Bass 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 2 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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Pine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Pine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 62 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 11, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 1975.
Can you camp at Big Pine Lake?
Yes. Waldheim Resort is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.