Big Lake
About Big Lake
Big Lake is a 254-acre lake near Big Lake in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 18 feet, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
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 2017.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 7, based on 20 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Lake
- 254 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Big Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.5 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 254 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Average depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 110 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)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- 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 7
- Years of record
- 20
- Earliest
- March 10, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2013
- Most recent
- March 10, 2024
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 Lake
Compare Big Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Big Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Mitchell Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake170 acres
0.6 miles away
Eagle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake462 acres
3.7 miles away
Birch Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake160 acres
4.9 miles away
Bertram Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello111 acres
5.9 miles away
Lake Ann
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Orrock183 acres
6.7 miles away
Birch Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello100 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Lake?
Big Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Big Lake. It covers 254 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake covers 254 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet and its average depth is about 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Lake?
Yes. Big Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Big Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 20 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 10, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2013.
Does Big Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.