Big Fish Lake
About Big Fish Lake
Big Fish Lake is a 557-acre lake near Cold Spring in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 26 feet, and has roughly 5.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 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.
Plan Your Visit to Big Fish Lake
- 557 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Cold Spring
- 1 public boat launch (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 17 feet — very clear
- 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
- 557 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Average depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 17 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 184 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Fish Lake
Compare Big Fish Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Big Fish Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Big Fish Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Big Fish Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Fish Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Jacobs Prairie153 acres
0.7 miles away
Big Watab Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon246 acres
2.5 miles away
Clear Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring118 acres
3.3 miles away
Kalla Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon106 acres
3.3 miles away
Pitts Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon114 acres
3.7 miles away
Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Collegeville116 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Fish Lake?
Big Fish Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Cold Spring. It covers 557 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Fish Lake?
Big Fish Lake covers 557 acres with about 5.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet and its average depth is about 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Fish 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 Fish Lake?
Yes. Big Fish 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 Fish Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Fish 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 Fish Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Fish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Big Fish Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Fish 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.