Big Sucker Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. DNR lake ID 31012400.
Big Sucker Lake is a 258.6-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. Its deepest point reaches 36 ft, and about 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. 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 | 31012400 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Nashwauk |
| Surface area | 258.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 36 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 53% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.9 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 8.9 ft.
Fishing on Big Sucker Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 1.17 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.33 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.5 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.89 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 9.67 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.22 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.78 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.11 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2019), Northern pike 29.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, 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
- Sucker Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. From Hwy 65 north of Naskwauk follow CR 58 west for 3.7 miles to Sucker Lake Rd. Follow Sucker Lake Rd west for 1.5 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little McCarthy Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Little Sucker Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Third Sucker Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Big McCarthy Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Moose Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- Snowball Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
- Ox Hide Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Nashwauk Lake 4.2 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Big Sucker Lake
How deep is Big Sucker Lake?
Big Sucker Lake reaches a maximum depth of 36 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Sucker Lake?
Big Sucker Lake covers about 258.6 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Sucker Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Sucker Lake averages 8.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Big Sucker Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Big Sucker 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 Sucker Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, white sucker, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Big Sucker Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Big Sucker Lake?
Big Sucker Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sucker Lake.
How is the walleye population on Big Sucker Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2003 to 2019, walleye numbers on Big Sucker 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 Sucker Lake?
Homes on Big Sucker 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 Sucker Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Sucker Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 53% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.9 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 Sucker Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Sucker Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Sucker Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.