Fishing at Bijou, Minnesota
225-acre lake · Becker County · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Bijou is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Becker County. At 225 acres, it offers small lake fishing across diverse 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 Bijou:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 4 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 151 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 17 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 120,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 23 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 325 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 30 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 120,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 120,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 120,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Bijou, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Bijou
For black crappie, the best fishing on Bijou 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 Bijou:
- Bijou Lake — 0.2 mi (221 ac)
- Stakke Lake — 1.8 mi (486 ac)
- Stakke — 1.8 mi (497 ac)
- Rossman — 2.7 mi (273 ac)
- Upper Cormorant Lake — 2.8 mi (924 ac)
- Upper Cormorant — 2.8 mi (974 ac)
- Turtle — 3.0 mi (196 ac)
- Engebretson Lake — 3.4 mi (123 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Bijou. 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 Bijou?
Bijou has been stocked with Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Bijou last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 4 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Bijou?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.