Fishing Big Cormorant Lake in Becker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Big Cormorant Lake belongs to Becker County, Minnesota. The land about it is mixed forest. At roughly 5.5 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The shoreline runs to about 17 miles, far more than one trip can cover. Size puts it in the front rank of our Becker County list. Detroit Lakes lies 11 miles from the water. Pelican Rapids is 14 miles and Hawley 15 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Big Cormorant Lake

  Sounding records show water to about 85 feet. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Reported across Becker County: bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Big Cormorant Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 69°F at the top of summer and 5°F at the bottom of winter. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Big Cormorant Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A platform or pier sits within half a mile. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Arrow Lake at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. For Big Cormorant Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.