Big Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. DNR lake ID 04004900.
Big Lake is a 3,596-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 59% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Big Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04004900 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Bemidji |
| Surface area | 3,596 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Mean depth | 14.1 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 59% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.1 ft, phosphorus 15.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Big Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 4.27 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.27 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 9.27 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.13 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.93 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Muskellunge | gill | 0.07 | 0.1 to 0.2 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 6.47 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.73 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.4 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2022), Walleye 23.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 29.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
- Big Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 12 miles east of Bemidji, 2 miles of CSAH 12, on the east shore of Big Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Ten Lake 2.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Silver Lake 2.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Rice Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Andrusia Lake 3.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Swenson Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Little Rice Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Lost Lake 4.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Buck Lake 4.2 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Big Lake
How deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 59% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Lake?
Big Lake covers about 3,596 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Lake averages 10.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Big Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Big Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Big Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Big Lake?
Big Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Big Lake.
How is the walleye population on Big Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2022, walleye numbers on Big 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 Lake?
Homes on Big 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 Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 59% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.1 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 Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Big Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), 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.