Fishing Big Stone Lake

AKA: Big Stone Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Big Stone Lake Fishing Guides
Big Stone Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Big Stone Lake, MN

Popular Fish Species Big Stone Lake, MN

Walleye

Thanks to good fisheries management by the Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Big Stone Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Yellow Perch

Big Stone Lake has a very healthy population of yellow perch. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

Bluegill

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Big Stone Lake and the lake produces lots of big bluegill. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Big Stone Lake in Minnesota.

Fishing is the big attraction at Big Stone Lake, a 12,600-acre lake on the western border of the state, at Ortonville. The nearly 60 miles of shoreline house the thousands of rocks and boulders on the lake bottom, for which the lake is named.

Situated on the border between Minnesota and South Dakota, Big Stone Lake is a prime fishing destination in the region. This expansive lake offers anglers a diverse range of popular fish species and picturesque surroundings for a memorable fishing experience.

Walleye is undoubtedly the star of the show in Big Stone Lake. The lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing, attracting anglers from far and wide. Whether you're casting from the shoreline or trolling the deeper waters, Big Stone Lake offers ample opportunities to reel in these prized fish. Anglers often employ various techniques, such as jigging with live bait or casting with artificial lures, to entice walleye.

Largemouth bass can also be found in Big Stone Lake, providing exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers can explore the lake's weedy areas, submerged structure, and shoreline cover to target these feisty bass. Whether you prefer topwater action or finesse techniques, Big Stone Lake offers a chance to catch quality largemouth bass.

Yellow perch are a favorite among anglers fishing Big Stone Lake. These schooling fish can be targeted near weed beds, drop-offs, and other structure using small jigs or live bait. Anglers of all ages can enjoy the steady action and delicious fillets that yellow perch fishing provides.

Bluegill and white crappie are abundant in Big Stone Lake, making it an ideal destination for panfish enthusiasts. Anglers can target these species near submerged vegetation, brush piles, or other cover using small jigs or live bait. Catching a mess of bluegill or crappie is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled day on the water.

Northern pike, with their aggressive strikes and impressive size, add an extra element of excitement to fishing in Big Stone Lake. Anglers can target these toothy predators by casting or trolling with large spoons, spinnerbaits, or jerkbaits. The lake's expansive waters provide plenty of space for anglers to explore and search for trophy-sized pike.

With its abundant fish species, beautiful scenery, and recreational amenities, Big Stone Lake in Minnesota provides a well-rounded fishing experience. Whether you're after walleye, bass, perch, crappie, pike, or a combination of them all, this section of Minnesota offers a wealth of angling opportunities for both seasoned anglers and beginners.

Fishing for bass, walleye, pike and perch is available year round, as ice fishing is a very popular activity in winter. The lake also has populations of white bass and sunfish. During spring, summer and fall anglers will find excellent fishing from the shore, fish houses, and all types of boats. The lake is big enough for pleasure boats, pontoons and fishing boats, yet small enough to welcome canoes and kayaks. There are a few boat launch ramps on the MN side of the lake, with the most popular being at Big Stone Lake State Park. Click here for information on Big Stone Lake boat ramps in SD. Camping, an RV park and lodging is available at or nearby the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Big Stone Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Big Stone Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the excellent fishing opportunities, Big Stone Lake offers boating and camping options for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising the lake, exploring its various bays and inlets, while camping facilities along the shoreline allow for overnight stays and extended fishing trips.

Fishing Boat Rentals

GoFasters Powersports & Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
320 839-7143

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Stone Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mallard Point Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Schrivers Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riverside Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off County Road 30, this is two, two-lane, concrete ramps with docks and gravel parking.