Big Birch Lake
About Big Birch Lake
Big Birch Lake is a 2,107-acre lake near Grey Eagle in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 81 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 28 feet, and has roughly 15.3 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 40 Todd County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 5 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 13, based on 29 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Birch Lake
- 2,107 acres, up to 81 feet deep, near Grey Eagle
- 5 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 6.1 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,107 acres
- Max depth
- 81 ft
- Average depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 642 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
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 13
- Years of record
- 29
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 12, 2025
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 Birch Lake
Compare Big Birch Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Big Birch Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Big Birch Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Big Birch Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big Birch Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Birch Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle839 acres
1.9 miles away
Sylvia Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Ward Springs85 acres
2.7 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle94 acres
2.9 miles away
Trace Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle253 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Mary
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Upsala129 acres
4 miles away
Twin Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle121 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Grey Eagle. It covers 2,107 acres and reaches 81 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake covers 2,107 acres with about 15.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 81 feet and its average depth is about 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Birch Lake?
Yes. Big Birch Lake has 5 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Birch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Birch 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 Birch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Birch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Birch Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 29 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Big Birch Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Birch 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.