Big Swan Lake
About Big Swan Lake
Big Swan Lake is a 947-acre lake near Burtrum in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 18 feet, and has roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 36 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Swan Lake
- 947 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Burtrum
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 947 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Average depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 404 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession. Possession limit six.
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
- 36
- Earliest
- March 22, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 30, 2022
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 Swan Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum399 acres
1.3 miles away
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Pillsbury123 acres
2 miles away
Lady Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle176 acres
2.4 miles away
Buck Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum61 acres
2.8 miles away
Moose Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum131 acres
2.9 miles away
Mons Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Swanville95 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Swan Lake?
Big Swan Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Burtrum. It covers 947 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Swan Lake?
Big Swan Lake covers 947 acres with about 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet and its average depth is about 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Swan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Swan Lake?
Yes. Big Swan 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 Swan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Swan 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 Swan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Swan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Swan Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession. Possession limit six.
When does the ice go out on Big Swan Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 36 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.