Big Cormorant Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Audubon. DNR lake ID 03057600.
Big Cormorant Lake is a 3,657-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Audubon. Its deepest point reaches 75 ft, and about 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 23.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03057600 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Audubon |
| Surface area | 3,657 acres |
| Maximum depth | 75 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 22% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 23.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 23.3 ft, phosphorus 19.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Cormorant Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Big Cormorant Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 17.17 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.0 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.33 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.75 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 13.75 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 11.5 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.5 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 19.08 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 3.25 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 23.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 11.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2021), Northern pike 37.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2015).
Public boat access
- Cormorant Lake (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 23 trailer spaces. 7.5 mi S of Lake Park on Cnty Rd 5 to W shore. Directions
- Cormorant Lake (NE): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. 6.7 mi S of Lake Park on Cnty Rd 5, then 2.1 mi E on Cnty Rd 6 to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Ellison Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- Middle Cormorant Lake 2.3 mi, Becker County
- Nelson Lake 2.3 mi, Becker County
- Leif Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Rossman Lake 3.0 mi, Becker County
- Ida Lake 3.1 mi, Becker County
- Upper Cormorant Lake 3.5 mi, Becker County
- Little Cormorant Lake 3.8 mi, Becker County
Questions about Big Cormorant Lake
How deep is Big Cormorant Lake?
Big Cormorant Lake reaches a maximum depth of 75 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Cormorant Lake?
Big Cormorant Lake covers about 3,657 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Cormorant Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Cormorant Lake averages 23.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Big Cormorant Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Cormorant Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Big Cormorant Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Big Cormorant Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Big Cormorant Lake?
Big Cormorant Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Cormorant Lake (W); Cormorant Lake (NE).
How is the walleye population on Big Cormorant Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2002 to 2021, walleye numbers on Big Cormorant Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big Cormorant Lake?
Homes on Big Cormorant Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Big Cormorant Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Cormorant Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 22% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 23.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Cormorant Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Cormorant Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Cormorant Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.