The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Stone Lake
Big Stone County, Minnesota · 12,600 acres (19.7 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake spreads over 12,600 acres in Big Stone County, Minnesota. It was made by Big Stone Lake Dam on the Minnesota River. Big Stone Lake, source of the Minnesota River, marks South Dakota's lowest point in elevation at 965 feet.
From end to end it runs about 17.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 59 miles. The water sits about 970 ft above sea level. It reaches about 16 ft at its deepest. Ortonville is right by the lake.
- Size
- 12,600 acres (19.7 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 16 ft
- Shoreline
- About 59 miles
- End to end
- About 17.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 970 ft
- Type
- Natural lake raised by a dam
- Dam
- Big Stone Lake Dam, Minnesota River
- County
- Big Stone 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 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake holds walleye, northern pike and bluegill and sunfish. At 45°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- 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
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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 4:58 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Stone Lake
- Ortonvilleon the shore
- Milbankabout 10 mi south
- Sissetonabout 14 mi northwest
- Wheatonabout 22 mi north
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Questions about Big Stone Lake
What fish are in Big Stone Lake?
Big Stone Lake holds walleye, northern pike and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Stone Lake?
About 16 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Big Stone Lake?
12,600 acres, with about 59 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Stone Lake?
Ortonville is on the shore; Milbank is about 10 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Big Stone Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Stone Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
