Big Sugar Bush Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. DNR lake ID 03030400.
Big Sugar Bush Lake is a 521.5-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03030400 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Richwood |
| Surface area | 521.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 57% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 17.4 ft, phosphorus 11.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Sugar Bush Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Big Sugar Bush Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2012 (14 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 | 4.38 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.88 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.38 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.22 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.78 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.12 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.78 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.88 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.56 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2012), Walleye 29.0 in (2012), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2012), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2002).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Big Sugar Bush Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 7.5 mi E of Richwood on Cnty Rd 34, then W .9 mi on Twp Rd to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Birch Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- St. Clair Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Fairbank's Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Little Sugar Bush Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Island Lake 3.0 mi, Becker County
- Mission Lake 3.0 mi, Becker County
- O-Me-Mee Lake 3.8 mi, Becker County
- Eagen Lake 4.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Big Sugar Bush Lake
How deep is Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Big Sugar Bush Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Big Sugar Bush Lake covers about 521.5 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Sugar Bush Lake averages 17.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Big Sugar Bush Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Big Sugar Bush Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker in Big Sugar Bush Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2012.
Where is the public boat access on Big Sugar Bush Lake?
Big Sugar Bush Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Big Sugar Bush Lake.
How is the walleye population on Big Sugar Bush Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2012, walleye numbers on Big Sugar Bush Lake ran mostly within 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 Sugar Bush Lake?
Homes on Big Sugar Bush 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 Sugar Bush Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Sugar Bush Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 57% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.4 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 Sugar Bush Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Sugar Bush Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Sugar Bush 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 2012), 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.