Big Birch Lake
Todd County, Minnesota, near Grey Eagle. DNR lake ID 77008400.
Big Birch Lake is a 2,107-acre lake in Todd County, Minnesota, near Grey Eagle. Its deepest point reaches 81 ft, and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.9 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, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 77008400 |
|---|---|
| County | Todd County, near Grey Eagle |
| Surface area | 2,107 acres |
| Maximum depth | 81 ft |
| Mean depth | 28.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 30% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 49.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 5 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.9 ft, phosphorus 49.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Birch Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Big Birch 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 | 7.47 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.8 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.13 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.2 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 13.8 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.53 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.07 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.6 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Walleye 7.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 20.0 in (2021), Northern pike 30.0 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, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, 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 2016).
Public boat access
- Big Birch Lake, State Forest: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. 4 miles N on Co Rd 13, then 1 mile E on Co Rd 17, then N on the Birch Lk Rd to the State Forest Campground; on the west shore of Big Birch Lake. Directions
- Big Birch Lake (N): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 1 mi S of Grey Eagle on Cnty Rd 33, then 1 mi W on Cnty Rd 2, then 0.5 mi E on Twp Rd to NW shore. Directions
- Big Birch Lake (SE): 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. From St Rosa, N on CoRd 17 1 mi to CoRd 35 N 1.5 mi to Birch Park Cr, W to site on SE shore of lake. Directions
- Big Birch Lake, Hunters Bay: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 1 mi S of Grey Eagle on Cnty Rd 33, then 1.5 mi W on Cnty Rd 2, then 0.75 mi S on Twp Rd to NW shore. Directions
- Stundabecks Bay Access: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. From Sauk Centre go east on Co Hwy 17, 9.4 mi. Turn left onto Co Rd 127, 1.0 mi. Turn right onto 440th St, 1.2 mi and the water access will be on the left. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Birch Lake 1.9 mi, Todd County
- Goose Lake 2.9 mi, Todd County
- Bass Lake 3.0 mi, Todd County
- Hennessy Lake 3.3 mi, Todd County
- Trace Lake 3.5 mi, Todd County
- Fuller Lake 3.8 mi, Todd County
- Mary Lake 4.0 mi, Todd County
- Twin Lake 4.2 mi, Todd County
Questions about Big Birch Lake
How deep is Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake reaches a maximum depth of 81 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake covers about 2,107 acres in Todd County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Birch Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Birch Lake averages 12.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Big Birch Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Birch Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Big Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Big Birch Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake has 5 public water access sites on DNR record: Big Birch Lake, State Forest; Big Birch Lake (N); Big Birch Lake (SE); Big Birch Lake, Hunters Bay; Stundabecks Bay Access.
How is the walleye population on Big Birch Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2021, walleye numbers on Big Birch 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 Birch Lake?
Homes on Big Birch 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 Birch Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Birch Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 30% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.9 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 Birch Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Birch Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Birch Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Todd 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.