Big Stone Lake Fishing Report Guide
Big Stone Lake Fishing Report Guide – Minnesota
Welcome to Big Stone Lake, a hidden treasure on the border between western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota. This long, narrow lake stretches for miles, offering pristine waters and breathtaking scenery. It’s a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner just getting started, Big Stone Lake has something for everyone. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to plan your fishing trip to Big Stone Lake and make it a memorable experience.
Big Stone Lake Fishing Details
Before we dive into the fishing specifics, let’s take a closer look at Big Stone Lake and its key features:
- Water Surface: 12,610 acres
- Shoreline: 52 miles
- Average Depth: 10 feet
- Max Depth: 16 feet
- Surface Elevation: 965 feet
- Location: Borders western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota
- Coordinates: 45.2989° N, 96.4790° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, with multiple entry points and parking areas around the lake
- Type of Lake: Natural freshwater lake
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds
Types of Fish in Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a prime fishing destination. Here are the types of fish you can expect to find and where they are usually located:
- Walleye: Often found near the deeper parts of the lake, especially around drop-offs and rocky areas. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch them.
- Northern Pike: These predatory fish are commonly found in weedy areas and near submerged structures. They are active throughout the day.
- Yellow Perch: Usually found in shallow waters near the shore, especially around weed beds and sandy bottoms.
- Bluegill: These panfish are often found in shallow waters near the shoreline, particularly around vegetation and docks.
- Largemouth Bass: Typically found near submerged structures such as fallen trees, rock piles, and weed beds. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
- Crappie: These fish like to congregate around submerged structures and are often found in schools.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle Recommendations for Big Stone Lake Fishing
Choosing the right bait, lures, and tackle can make a significant difference in your fishing success at Big Stone Lake. Here are some recommendations for each type of fish:
- Walleye: Use jigs tipped with minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches. Crankbaits and spinners are also effective. Natural colors work well in clear water, while brighter colors are best for murkier conditions.
- Northern Pike: Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits are ideal. Live bait such as minnows or suckers can also be very effective.
- Yellow Perch: Small jigs tipped with worms or minnows work best. You can also use small spoons and spinners.
- Bluegill: Small hooks with live bait like worms or crickets are the most effective. Tiny jigs and spinners can also be used.
- Largemouth Bass: Plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are excellent choices. Use natural colors in clear water and brighter colors in stained water.
- Crappie: Small jigs and minnows are ideal. Look for submerged structures where crappie like to hide.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
- 3-PACK – Three Lures for catching all them huge fish. With streamlined shape lends spoons lures to a quicker retrieve.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Big Stone Lake Fishing
Finding the right spot can greatly enhance your fishing experience at Big Stone Lake. Here are some of the best locations around the lake:
- Mallard Point: Known for its rocky areas and drop-offs, this spot is excellent for catching walleye and northern pike.
- Windmill Marina: A popular spot for largemouth bass and bluegill, with plenty of submerged structures providing ideal habitats.
- Ortonville Beach: Shallow waters near the shoreline make this area great for yellow perch and bluegill fishing.
- Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge: This area offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including walleye, northern pike, and crappie.
- Hartford Beach State Park: The deeper parts of the lake near this park are perfect for targeting walleye and northern pike.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations for Big Stone Lake Fishing
Here are some additional tips to help you have a successful fishing trip at Big Stone Lake:
- Check Local Regulations: Make sure you have a valid fishing license for either Minnesota or South Dakota, depending on where you plan to fish. Be aware of any local fishing regulations and limits.
- Time Your Trip: Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to fish, as many species are more active during these periods.
- Weather Conditions: Pay attention to the weather, as fish behavior can change with different conditions. Overcast days can be particularly good for fishing.
- Use the Right Gear: Ensure you have the appropriate gear for the type of fish you’re targeting. This includes rods, reels, lines, and tackle.
- Be Patient: Fishing requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away. Keep trying different spots and techniques.
Big Stone Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are some positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Big Stone Lake:
- Dave M.: “Big Stone Lake is my favorite fishing spot! I had a fantastic time catching walleye near Mallard Point. The scenery is beautiful, and the fishing was excellent.”
- Lisa H.: “I love fishing for northern pike at Big Stone Lake. The weedy areas near the wildlife refuge are perfect for these fish. It’s always a great adventure.”
- Tom R.: “Ortonville Beach is my go-to spot for yellow perch. The shallow waters are teeming with fish, and it’s a great place to take the kids.”
- Karen S.: “My family and I had an amazing time fishing for bluegill near Windmill Marina. We caught plenty of fish and had a wonderful picnic by the water.”
- Mike T.: “If you’re looking for crappie, the submerged structures around Hartford Beach State Park are the place to be. I’ve had some of my best catches there.”
Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds for Big Stone Lake Fishing
If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are several excellent RV parks and campgrounds near Big Stone Lake. Here are five of the best options:
- Lakeshore RV Park: Located right by the lake, this campground offers full hookups, picnic areas, and easy access to the water. Distance to lake: 0 miles.
- Big Stone Lake State Park: Just a short drive from the lake, this park features full hookups, hiking trails, and a swimming beach. Distance to lake: 5 miles.
- Hartford Beach State Park: This campground offers full hookups, a playground, and fishing piers. It’s a family-friendly option with plenty of amenities. Distance to lake: 10 miles.
- Ortonville City Park: Located in the nearby town of Ortonville, this park offers full hookups, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. Distance to lake: 2 miles.
- Prairie Waters Campground: Located in a peaceful setting, this park offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and hiking trails. Distance to lake: 8 miles.
Big Stone Lake Fishing Summary
Big Stone Lake is a fantastic fishing destination with something for everyone. From its diverse fish population to its stunning natural beauty, this lake provides a perfect setting for a memorable fishing trip. Whether you’re targeting walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, or crappie, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to catch fish and enjoy the great outdoors. So pack your gear, plan your trip, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure at Big Stone Lake!
Frequently Asked Questions for Big Stone Lake Fishing
1. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Big Stone Lake? Yes, you need a valid fishing license for either Minnesota or South Dakota, depending on where you plan to fish. Make sure to check local regulations for any additional requirements.
2. What is the best time of year to fish at Big Stone Lake? Spring and fall are generally the best times to fish, as the water temperatures are ideal for many fish species.
3. Are there boat rentals available at Big Stone Lake? Yes, there are boat rental services available at the lake. You can rent various types of boats, including fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes.
4. Can I fish from the shore at Big Stone Lake? Absolutely! There are plenty of good shore fishing spots around the lake. Just make sure to follow local regulations and respect private property.
5. Are there any special regulations for fishing at Big Stone Lake? Yes, there are specific regulations regarding fishing limits and seasons. Be sure to check the latest rules from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department before you go.
Enjoy your fishing trip to Big Stone Lake, and happy fishing!
