Big Lake
About Big Lake
Big Lake is a 297-acre lake near Cushing in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Lake
- 297 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Cushing
- 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 5.9 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 297 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 166 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
- 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
- 2024
- 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 15
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 13, 2026
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 ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pine Island Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Cushing238 acres
2.3 miles away
Rice Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Lincoln562 acres
2.7 miles away
Thunder Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Browerville214 acres
3.5 miles away
Turtle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Staples112 acres
5.4 miles away
Coal Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Browerville171 acres
5.4 miles away
Fish Trap Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Lincoln1,164 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Lake?
Big Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Cushing. It covers 297 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake covers 297 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 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 Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
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 15, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 10, 2013.