Big Pine Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. DNR lake ID 56013000.
Big Pine Lake is a 4,728-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. Its deepest point reaches 76 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Big Pine 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 | 56013000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Perham |
| Surface area | 4,728 acres |
| Maximum depth | 76 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 34.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 15.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 8.2 ft, phosphorus 34.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 15.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Pine Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Big Pine Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 13.0 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.58 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.42 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.75 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.08 | n/a |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.0 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2017), Walleye 28.0 in (2020), Northern pike 29.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Lake sturgeon, Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 10. (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 2020).
Public boat access
- Big Pine Lake (N): 1 natural launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 3.5 mi NE of Perham on Cnty Rd 8, then E on access road to N shore. Directions
- Big Pine Lake (W): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 36 trailer spaces. 2.5 mi NE of Perham to W shore. Directions
- Big Pine Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. 7 mi E of Perham to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Nitche Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Little Pine Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Mud Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Edna Lake 5.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Bear Lake 6.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Schuster Lake 6.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Devils Lake 8.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Dead Lake 8.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Big Pine Lake
How deep is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake reaches a maximum depth of 76 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake covers about 4,728 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Pine Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Pine Lake averages 8.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Big Pine Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Pine Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Big Pine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Big Pine Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Big Pine Lake?
Big Pine Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: Big Pine Lake (N); Big Pine Lake (W); Big Pine Lake (E).
How is the walleye population on Big Pine Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2020, walleye numbers on Big Pine 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 Pine Lake?
Homes on Big Pine 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 Pine Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Pine Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.2 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 Pine Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Big Pine Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), 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.