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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 Swan Lake

Todd County, Minnesota · about 860 acres (1.3 sq mi)

45°F water, calm this morning.

Water45°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today10 mphSSE
Best bite3:30 pmto 5:30 pm

About Big Swan Lake

Big Swan Lake is a lake in Todd County, Minnesota, covering about 860 acres.

From end to end it runs about 3.1 miles with roughly 7 miles of shoreline. At about 1,190 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Long Prairie is about 7.1 miles northwest. The closest city is Saint Cloud, about 35 miles away.

Size
About 860 acres (1.3 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 7 miles
End to end
About 3.1 miles
Elevation
About 1,190 ft
County
Todd County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Saturday Good

  • 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
  • 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph

Sunday Good

  • 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
  • 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 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 45°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Good
    Northern pike

    Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Good
    Yellow perch

    Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.

  • Slow
    Bluegill 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

  1. 1
    Upper arm

    The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 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

45°F

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

Saturday 40° / 19° 10 mph SSE Partly Sunny
Sunday 43° / 22° 10 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:16 am · sunset 4:49 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Big Swan Lake

  • Long Prairieabout 7.1 mi northwest
  • Sauk Centreabout 13 mi southwest
  • Melroseabout 13 mi south
  • Albanyabout 18 mi southeast
  • Saint Cloudnearest city, about 35 mi southeast

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Questions about Big Swan Lake

What fish are in Big Swan Lake?

Lakes like Big Swan 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 Swan 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 Swan Lake?

About 860 acres, with about 7 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Big Swan Lake?

Long Prairie is about 7.1 miles northwest; Sauk Centre is about 13 miles southwest.

What is the water temperature at Big Swan Lake today?

The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Big Swan Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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