Big

Beltrami County, Minnesota — DOW #04004900

305 Surveys

Special Regulations for Big

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

Daily limit five.

Invasive Species Alert

Big has confirmed populations of:

zebra mussel

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

3,597.95

Acres

35 ft

Max Depth

14.1 ft

Mean Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.57 lb	6
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.60 lb	1
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.05 lb	11
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	2.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.05 lb	40
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	0.89 lb	16
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.77 lb	2
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.8	—	—	5
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.06 lb	1
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.26 lb	6
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	5.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.09 lb	80
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.13 lb	23
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	0.67 lb	3
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.6	0.77 lb	3
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.20 lb	7
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.6	1.18 lb	10
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.8	1.21 lb	3

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	3.4 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.18 lb	41
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	25.3 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.18 lb	228
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.24 lb	22
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	40.7 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.16 lb	611
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.30 lb	16
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	65.5 (above normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.16 lb	983
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	591.6	—	—	4141
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	8.0	—	—	48
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	9.4	—	—	21
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.38 lb	4
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	28.9 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.18 lb	434
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	3.5 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.21 lb	49
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	28.9 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.25 lb	231
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.13 lb	23
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	45.0 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.15 lb	675
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.23 lb	22
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	52.0 (above normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.23 lb	780
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	44.6	—	—	223
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	566.1	—	—	7925
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	0.6 – 3.5	0.20 lb	42
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	15.1 (normal)	7.0 – 46.3	0.25 lb	227
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	43.2	—	—	172

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.70 lb	20
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.89 lb	19
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	1.01 lb	23
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.60 lb	22
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.66 lb	13
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.60 lb	34
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	0.5	—	—	1
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	4.2 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.95 lb	63
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	6.2 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.70 lb	93
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	5.3 (above normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.79 lb	74
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.71 lb	4
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.79 lb	24
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	3.9 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.74 lb	59
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	2.4 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.58 lb	33
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	1.2 – 5.2	0.72 lb	34
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	1.2 – 10.9	0.72 lb	52
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.5	—	—	2

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	6.2 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.34 lb	56
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	2.08 lb	6
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	19.1 (above normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.59 lb	286
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	1.37 lb	15
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	15.6 (above normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.64 lb	234
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.2	—	1.30 lb	18
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	4.9 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.54 lb	73
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	1.58 lb	12
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	10.5 (above normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.45 lb	84
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	1.0	—	0.73 lb	14
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	15.0 (above normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.38 lb	225
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	1.21 lb	19
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	7.7 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.88 lb	115
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	1.6	—	2.16 lb	22
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	1.67 lb	17
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	7.1 (normal)	2.8 – 9.0	1.47 lb	107

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	12.7 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.48 lb	114
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	2.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.37 lb	32
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	10.9 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.50 lb	163
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	4.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.40 lb	56
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	8.5 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.52 lb	128
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.30 lb	28
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.7	—	—	4
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	11.7	—	—	26
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	2.6 (normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.62 lb	39
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.43 lb	11
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.74 lb	33
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	4.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.38 lb	56
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	6.1 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.45 lb	91
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	3.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.25 lb	47
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	7.8 (above normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.63 lb	117
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.43 lb	18
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	2.4 (normal)	0.6 – 3.9	0.63 lb	36
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	4.0	—	—	16
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.16 lb	11

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	8.1 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.02 lb	73
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.80 lb	9
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	13.5 (above normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.10 lb	203
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	4.63 lb	1
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.73 lb	68
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	4.23 lb	3
2019-06-27	Fall electrofishing	60.6	—	0.12 lb	63
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	3.9 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	1.08 lb	58
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	3.27 lb	2
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	3.0 (below normal)	3.3 – 8.8	0.89 lb	24
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.32 lb	5
1999-06-21	Fall electrofishing	2.6	—	2.18 lb	5
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	9.5 (above normal)	3.3 – 8.8	2.38 lb	142
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.43 lb	3
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	4.1 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	0.99 lb	61
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	3.36 lb	4
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	1.0 (above normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.32 lb	15
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	3.3 – 8.8	0.99 lb	70

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.36 lb	7
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.78 lb	5
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.20 lb	5
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.83 lb	4
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.18 lb	9
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	2.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.83 lb	40
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	12.6	—	—	88
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.5	—	—	3
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	23.4	—	—	52
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.34 lb	22
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.25 lb	19
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.40 lb	4
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.57 lb	3
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.54 lb	15
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	2.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.4	0.75 lb	31
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.33 lb	9
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.4	1.39 lb	8
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	6.3	—	—	25
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	2.8	—	—	14
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	24.5	—	—	343
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.78 lb	2

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.24 lb	5
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	9.0 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.21 lb	108
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	2.3	—	0.30 lb	35
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	16.0 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.34 lb	192
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.3	—	0.10 lb	19
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	38.4 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.23 lb	576
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	5.8	—	—	13
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	6.8	—	—	41
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.26 lb	9
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	14.0 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.33 lb	210
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	1.5 (below normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.35 lb	21
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.06 lb	3
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	10.6 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.18 lb	159
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	7.5	—	0.23 lb	112
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	17.4 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.24 lb	244
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	8.9 (normal)	4.4 – 49.0	0.24 lb	133
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	1.0	—	0.28 lb	15
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	4.5	—	—	18
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	1.4	—	—	19

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	1.8	—	0.18 lb	16
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	6.8 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.22 lb	82
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	3.8	—	0.21 lb	57
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	5.1 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.29 lb	61
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	3.1	—	0.18 lb	47
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	8.7 (above normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.21 lb	131
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	1.8	—	—	4
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.5	—	—	3
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	1.5	—	0.20 lb	22
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	2.5 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.29 lb	37
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	10.1 (above normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.17 lb	141
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	2.5	—	0.14 lb	38
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	7.3 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.21 lb	110
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	6.3	—	0.21 lb	94
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	3.1 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.22 lb	43
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	6
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	1.8 – 7.8	0.26 lb	27
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.24 lb	8
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	—	1

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	6.0 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	1.52 lb	54
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	5.9 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	0.69 lb	88
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.8 – 6.2	0.82 lb	9
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	1.14 lb	35
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	1.6 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	0.88 lb	13
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	5.6 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	0.44 lb	84
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	4.3 (normal)	0.8 – 6.2	1.17 lb	65
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	7.5 (above normal)	0.8 – 6.2	1.01 lb	113

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	1.9 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.35 lb	17
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	1.8 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.63 lb	27
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	1.44 lb	16
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.0	3.04 lb	4
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	1.87 lb	1
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	2.1 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.64 lb	17
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.1	1.60 lb	3
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.9 – 4.0	1.91 lb	14
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.1	3.53 lb	1
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.0	2.48 lb	4
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.9 – 4.0	1.45 lb	4
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	5
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	20.3	—	—	284

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.50 lb	1
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.65 lb	4
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.62 lb	5
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.51 lb	18
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.43 lb	18
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.53 lb	13
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.75 lb	4
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.57 lb	6
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.20 lb	1
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.25 lb	2
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.03 lb	2
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	1.6 (normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.58 lb	24
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.79 lb	4
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.4 – 2.3	0.69 lb	8
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.7	0.05 lb	4
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.5	—	—	2
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	0.8	—	—	4
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	2

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-07-01	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	5.33 lb	7
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	6.02 lb	2
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.89 lb	6
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	5.17 lb	11
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.57 lb	4
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	3.97 lb	12
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	5.23 lb	11
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.59 lb	1
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	4.83 lb	3

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1995-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 0.5	2.29 lb	3
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 0.3	2.46 lb	4
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.5	1.20 lb	1
1974-06-25	Standard gill nets	0.5 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.3	1.93 lb	4

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 6.8	0.29 lb	2
1974-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.6	0.55 lb	2
1999-06-21	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.6	0.73 lb	1
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.6	0.63 lb	1
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	—	1

Muskellunge

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1995-06-26	Special electrofishing	0.7	—	2.04 lb	3
1995-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.2	5.61 lb	2
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.3	0.33 lb	1
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
2016-04-21	Special electrofishing	122.4	—	21.24 lb	17
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.3	0.39 lb	1
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.2	2.64 lb	2
1999-06-21	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.2	9.29 lb	2
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.2	17.41 lb	1

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.30 lb	2
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.25 lb	2
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	—	1
2019-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.36 lb	3
2019-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.52 lb	4
2007-07-09	Standard gill nets	0.9	—	0.46 lb	14
2007-07-09	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.30 lb	4
2011-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.57 lb	1
2011-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.48 lb	1

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	27.9	—	195
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	2.3	—	5
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	4.8	—	24
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	60.1	—	841
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.8	—	7

CNM

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	1.0	—	6
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	4.0	—	9

BMS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	147.0	—	1029
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	3.6	—	8
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.5	—	6
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	6.4	—	90

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	2
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	0.5	—	1
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.9	—	6
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.5	—	6

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	1.2	—	7
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	3
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.0	—	4
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	1

Common Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	1
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	2

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	1.8	—	4
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	6
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.8	—	3

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.3	—	2
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	0.9	—	2
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	55.4	—	388
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	2.6	—	13
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	147.7	—	2068
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	47.0	—	187

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	6.0	—	36
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	4.0	—	9
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	140.3	—	982
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	2.8	—	11
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	35.4	—	496

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	2
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	3.3	—	13
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	3.2	—	16
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	6.6	—	93

BKF

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	5.0	—	30
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	1.8	—	4
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.6	—	4
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	6.9	—	96
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	1
2011-08-29	15-ft beach seine	1.6	—	8

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.5	—	3
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1

BST

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	15-ft beach seine	0.2	—	1

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	Backpack electrofishing	0.9	—	2
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	1

Logperch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2019-07-01	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.5	—	7

Mottled Sculpin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	2
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	1.0	—	4

PGS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	2

SCU

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	1

DAR

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	5

Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	4

Fathead Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2011-08-29	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

A&H Shrinkwrapping Services

Bemidji, MN

(218) 358-0454

★ 5

Bemidji Marine

Bemidji, MN

(888) 759-8875

★ 4.5

Biddy's landing

Ponemah, MN

★ 5

Diamond Point Park

Bemidji, MN

(218) 333-1859

★ 4.6

Dick's Boat & RV Storage

Bemidji, MN

(218) 751-4827

★ 3

Grace Lake Boat Access

Bemidji, MN

★ 4.4

Resorts & Lodges Near Big

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Big.

Pimushe Resort

Fishing Resort Bemidji

(218) 586-2094

Red Lake Cabin LLC

Fishing Resort Kelliher

(320) 424-2329

The Dahlin Lodge - Upper Red Lake Cabin Rental

Fishing Resort Kelliher

(218) 604-0840

Cedar Rapids Lodge

Fishing Resort Tenstrike

(218) 243-2487

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

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

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bowfin (Dogfish)Brown Bullhead Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Muskellunge Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Big

Bemidji Area Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(763) 670-6033

Chad's Guide Services

Fishing Guide

(218) 556-0823

First City Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 689-5550

Kevin Cochran’s Musky Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(507) 456-9023

Northcountry Guide Service & Promotions

Fishing Guide

(218) 766-1814

Northern Walleye Adventures

Fishing Guide

(218) 209-8824

View all 8 guides →

Other Lakes in Beltrami County

Plan Your Trip to Big

Weather forecast for Big — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.5066°N, 94.6207°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.

Big

Special Regulations for Big

Invasive Species Alert

DNR Fish Surveys

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Perch

Yellow Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Walleye

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

Tullibee (Cisco)

White Sucker

Black Crappie

Bowfin

Burbot

Black Bullhead

Muskellunge

Hybrid Sunfish

Johnny Darter

CNM

BMS

BNS

Iowa Darter

Common Shiner

BCS

Mimic Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

Spottail Shiner

BKF

Tadpole Madtom

BST

Golden Shiner

Logperch

Mottled Sculpin

PGS

SCU

DAR

Sunfish

Fathead Minnow

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Dunham's Sports

Hillman's Store & Bait Station

J B Lures

L&M Fleet Supply

Northland Fishing Tackle

Northwoods Bait & Tackle

Trappers Bait Shop

Up North Sports

Nearby Marinas

A&H Shrinkwrapping Services

Bemidji Marine

Biddy's landing

Diamond Point Park

Dick's Boat & RV Storage

Grace Lake Boat Access

Resorts & Lodges Near Big

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Big

Other Lakes in Beltrami County

Andrusia

Balm

Bass

Beltrami

Bemidji (main lake)

Benjamin

Plan Your Trip to Big