Fishing at Big Stone, Minnesota
11,984-acre lake · Big Stone County · 2 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Big Stone is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Big Stone County. At 11,984 acres, it offers large-lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Big Stone:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 2,936 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 839,797 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 18,263 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 731 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,624 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 4,005 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 3,348 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 4,030 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 6,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Lake Sturgeon | 4,256 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Lake Sturgeon in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Big Stone, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Big Stone
For lake sturgeon, the best fishing on Big Stone is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Big Stone:
- South Rothwell Lake — 9.8 mi (114 ac)
- Eli — 9.9 mi (162 ac)
- Eli Lake — 9.9 mi (140 ac)
- Lysing Lake — 10.0 mi (233 ac)
- Barry — 10.2 mi (398 ac)
- Swenson — 10.2 mi (204 ac)
- Barry Lake — 10.2 mi (178 ac)
- North Rothwell Lake — 10.6 mi (258 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Big Stone. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Big Stone?
Big Stone has been stocked with Lake Sturgeon, Walleye.
When was Big Stone last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 2,936 lake sturgeon were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Big Stone?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.