Big Lake Fishing Guide, Carlton County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Big Lake is a Carlton County water, Minnesota side. The surroundings are lake country bush. About 508 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The shoreline runs about 5.9 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. It is among the larger waters listed here for Carlton County. The nearest place of any size is Cloquet, 8.2 miles away. Carlton lies 10 miles off, Esko another 13 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Big Lake

  The deepest measured water here is close to 29 feet. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Carlton County, recorded fish include bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Big Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 7°F in January up to 66°F in July. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on Big Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Sofie Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. For Big Lake in particular, ask before you travel.