Big Marine Lake
About Big Marine Lake
Big Marine Lake is a 1,799-acre lake near Forest Lake in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 16.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Marine Lake
- 1,799 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Forest Lake
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- 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 9.8 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,799 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 16.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,152 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 8
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 31, 2026
- Latest
- April 25, 2014
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Marine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Goose Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Scandia76 acres
3.9 miles away
Bone Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake221 acres
4.5 miles away
Square Lake
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater203 acres
5.1 miles away
Forest Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake2,271 acres
5.8 miles away
Big Carnelian Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater457 acres
6.3 miles away
Spider Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Marine on Saint Croix131 acres
7.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Marine Lake?
Big Marine Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Forest Lake. It covers 1,799 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Marine Lake?
Big Marine Lake covers 1,799 acres with about 16.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Marine 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 Marine Lake?
Yes. Big Marine Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Marine Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Big Marine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Marine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Marine Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Big Marine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2026 and the latest is April 25, 2014.
Does Big Marine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Marine Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.