The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Rat Lake
Becker County, Minnesota · about 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
39°F water, calm this morning.
About Big Rat Lake
In Becker County, Minnesota, Big Rat Lake covers about 880 acres.
It stretches about 1.9 miles end to end with roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,510 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Detroit Lakes, is about 20 miles southwest. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 54 miles west.
- Size
- About 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.8 miles
- End to end
- About 1.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,510 ft
- County
- Becker County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 39°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:23 am · sunset 4:49 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Rat Lake
- Detroit Lakesabout 20 mi southwest
- Mahnomenabout 20 mi northwest
- Frazeeabout 25 mi south
- Park Rapidsabout 30 mi east
- Fargonearest city, about 54 mi west
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Questions about Big Rat Lake
What fish are in Big Rat Lake?
Lakes like Big Rat Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Rat Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Rat Lake?
About 880 acres, with about 6.8 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Rat Lake?
Detroit Lakes is about 20 miles southwest; Mahnomen is about 20 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Big Rat Lake today?
The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Rat Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
