Big Lake
About Big Lake
Big Lake is an 808-acre lake near Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Big Lake
- 808 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Hoyt Lakes
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 808 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 379 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 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Lake
Compare Big Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Seven Beaver Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Toimi1,414 acres
2.8 miles away
Round Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Toimi327 acres
4 miles away
Pine Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fairbanks450 acres
5.5 miles away
Sand Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella486 acres
9.2 miles away
Greenwood Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella1,329 acres
10.2 miles away
Cadotte Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fairbanks294 acres
10.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Lake?
Big Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Hoyt Lakes. It covers 808 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake covers 808 acres with about 9.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Big Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big 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 Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.