Big Marine Lake near Scandia: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Big Marine Lake is one of the Washington County listings for Minnesota. The bank is 925 feet above sea level. The water covers around 2.6 sq miles, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The outline measures near 13 miles, so local knowledge counts. It ranks high for size among our Washington County listings. 3.5 miles away sits Scandia, the nearest town. The nearest city of size is Saint Paul, 22 miles away. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Big Marine Lake

  Surveys put the deepest water at about 57 feet. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Public occurrence data for Washington County names bluegill, largemouth bass and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Big Marine Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 11°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early April. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan around that when you fish Big Marine Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. You can launch from a ramp around half a mile away. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Fish Lake at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Big Marine Lake are worth checking on the day.