Bad Medicine

Becker County, Minnesota — DOW #03008500

186 Surveys

Special Regulations for Bad Medicine

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Winter fishing for stream trout is not allowed.

803.03

Acres

84 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Bad Medicine. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	2.18 lb	3
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	2.34 lb	1
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.33 lb	1
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.20 lb	1
2022-07-11	Vertical Gillnet	3.0	—	0.49 lb	3
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	2.93 lb	6
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	2.37 lb	6

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.77 lb	9
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.14 lb	22
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.4 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	1.76 lb	4
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	2.0 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	3.91 lb	16
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.14 lb	13
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.3	3.00 lb	1
2022-07-11	Vertical Gillnet	1.0	—	1.31 lb	1
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	1.97 lb	24
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 0.3	2.30 lb	2
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	2.4 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.38 lb	19
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.6 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.42 lb	14
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	—	1

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	3.6 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.94 lb	43
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	1.40 lb	16
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	2.8 (below normal)	3.1 – 8.5	4.66 lb	33
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	0.91 lb	9
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.67 lb	43
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	1.91 lb	2
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	6.9 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.26 lb	55
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	0.2	—	0.46 lb	1
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	3.3	—	0.87 lb	39
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.80 lb	6
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.7	—	1.25 lb	10
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	2
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	3.1 – 8.5	3.22 lb	5
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	1.12 lb	6
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	1.8 (below normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.10 lb	14
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	1.17 lb	3
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	3.85 lb	30
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	0.7	—	1.88 lb	8
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	2

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	3.6 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.52 lb	43
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.84 lb	1
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	4.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.72 lb	54
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.63 lb	1
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.24 lb	15
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	8.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.5	4.08 lb	64
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	0.2	—	—	1
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.71 lb	2
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	1.59 lb	35
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.40 lb	6
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	27.6	—	—	43
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	4.9	—	—	44
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	324.0	—	—	972
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	6.4 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.59 lb	51
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	7.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.62 lb	60
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.55 lb	2
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.74 lb	9
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	5.6	—	—	8
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	2
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	47.2	—	—	236

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.22 lb	1
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.40 lb	8
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.25 lb	11
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.63 lb	1
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	2.0	—	0.16 lb	10
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.50 lb	1
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	2
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.40 lb	8
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	1.1 (below normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.23 lb	13

Rainbow Trout

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.89 lb	40
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	5.5	—	0.97 lb	66
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	3.4	—	0.88 lb	31
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	5.0	—	1.00 lb	40
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	3.50 lb	4
2022-07-11	Vertical Gillnet	2.0	—	1.28 lb	2
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	21.3	—	0.83 lb	170
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	3.5	—	0.94 lb	28
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	2.0	—	1.41 lb	18

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	3.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.23 lb	44
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.12 lb	69
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.33 lb	14
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.29 lb	9
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	1.9 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.13 lb	17
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.35 lb	36
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	4.9 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.22 lb	39
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	5.0	—	0.04 lb	25
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.17 lb	13
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	2.9 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.54 lb	29
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	5.1	—	—	8
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	19.7	—	—	59
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.10 lb	23
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	5.0 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.61 lb	40
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	8.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.10 lb	96
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	34.4 (above normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.22 lb	275
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.74 lb	1
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.18 lb	8
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	—	4
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	3.6	—	—	18
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	0.8	—	—	4

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.70 lb	1
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	5.0	—	0.01 lb	25
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.35 lb	1
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	11.6	—	—	18
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	122.3	—	—	1101
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	0.7	—	—	2
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.10 lb	1
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	5.6	—	—	8
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	2

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.28 lb	45
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.57 lb	7
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.29 lb	15
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	5.6 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.39 lb	67
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	2.6 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.37 lb	31
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	10.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.34 lb	95
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.86 lb	4
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	7.6	—	—	38
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.57 lb	17
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	5.1 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.18 lb	71
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	5.1	—	—	8
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.25 lb	15
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.38 lb	6
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.34 lb	23
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.27 lb	3
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	3.3 (above normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.31 lb	40
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.38 lb	27
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	1.4	—	—	2

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.95 lb	54
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.86 lb	3
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	21.8 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	0.82 lb	261
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.33 lb	5
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	9.7 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.36 lb	87
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	0.99 lb	2
1996-07-08	Standard gill nets	6.1 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.61 lb	49
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.83 lb	6
1980-06-23	Standard gill nets	12.7 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.25 lb	127
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.87 lb	6
2022-07-11	Vertical Gillnet	2.0	—	2.35 lb	2
1986-07-07	Standard gill nets	6.6 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	0.63 lb	53
1986-07-07	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	0.48 lb	6
1991-07-08	Standard gill nets	7.0 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	0.89 lb	56
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.40 lb	1
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	6.3 (above normal)	1.3 – 5.5	1.48 lb	57
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	4.92 lb	1

OTM

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Minnow traps	74.6	—	746

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2001-07-02	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	1.17 lb	1
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.99 lb	3
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	0.2	—	0.05 lb	1
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	1.19 lb	1
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.63 lb	7

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.31 lb	8
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.13 lb	1
2022-07-11	Standard gill nets	3.7 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.67 lb	33
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	1.35 lb	2
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	3.0	—	—	9
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	14.8	—	—	23
2017-07-10	Standard gill nets	3.1 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.90 lb	28
2017-07-10	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.89 lb	16
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	3.0	—	—	15
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	6.3	—	—	9

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.47 lb	1
2022-07-11	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	0.55 lb	2
1996-07-08	Special trap nets	0.2	—	—	1
1980-06-23	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.50 lb	2
1991-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.30 lb	1

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1996-07-08	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	3.12 lb	2

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	2
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	2
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	4.2	—	6
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	0.2	—	1

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	15.0	—	45
2022-07-11	Backpack electrofishing	5.8	—	9
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	16.3	—	147
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	11.2	—	56
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	4
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	21.0	—	105

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2022-07-11	15-ft beach seine	2.4	—	22
2022-07-11	50-ft beach seine	0.7	—	2
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	81.4	—	407
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	3.0	—	15

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	2.0	—	10
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	9.9	—	14
2017-07-19	15-ft beach seine	54.6	—	273

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-07-19	50-ft beach seine	5.0	—	25
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	5.6	—	8

Mottled Sculpin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2017-07-19	Backpack electrofishing	0.7	—	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

Arctic Marine

Detroit Lakes, MN

(218) 850-4728

At Ease Dock & Lift

Frazee, MN

(218) 334-2202

★ 4.8

Beach King, Inc

Frazee, MN

(218) 846-3415

★ 4.7

Detroit Power Sports

Detroit Lakes, MN

(218) 234-5759

★ 4.5

Dl Dock & Lift/Webber Dock & Lift

Detroit Lakes, MN

(218) 847-2108

★ 5

GoGo Rental

Detroit Lakes, MN

(866) 739-4114

★ 4.8

Resorts & Lodges Near Bad Medicine

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Bad Medicine.

218 Escapes

Fishing Resort Detroit Lakes

(218) 234-2702

En-Of-Trail Resort

Fishing Resort Ponsford

(218) 573-3791

IC Rental

Fishing Resort Detroit Lakes

Two Inlets Resort

Fishing Resort Park Rapids

(218) 699-3632

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Bad Medicine. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Burbot Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Rainbow Trout Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Bad Medicine

Baxstar Fishing

Fishing Guide

(701) 261-3703

Brad Laabs Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 849-6108

fishing guides Detroit Lakes MN

Fishing Guide

(218) 841-5357

Front 20 Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 346-4899

Other Lakes in Becker County

Plan Your Trip to Bad Medicine

Weather forecast for Bad Medicine — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.1275°N, 95.3958°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Bad Medicine

Special Regulations for Bad Medicine

DNR Fish Surveys

Tullibee (Cisco)

Burbot

Northern Pike

White Sucker

Bluegill

Rainbow Trout

Yellow Perch

Largemouth Bass

Rock Bass

Walleye

OTM

Black Crappie

Smallmouth Bass

Hybrid Sunfish

Brown Bullhead

Johnny Darter

Spottail Shiner

Mimic Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

BKF

Mottled Sculpin

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Cormorant Store

County 6 Gas & Bait

Deez Fish Co

Detroit Lakes Corner Market

Hod Fishing Rods

Lakes Sport Shop

L&M Fleet Supply

Osage Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

Arctic Marine

At Ease Dock & Lift

Beach King, Inc

Detroit Power Sports

Dl Dock & Lift/Webber Dock & Lift

GoGo Rental

Resorts & Lodges Near Bad Medicine

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Bad Medicine

Other Lakes in Becker County

Acorn

Bass

Big Cormorant

Big Sugar Bush

Bijou

Blueberry

Plan Your Trip to Bad Medicine