Lake information report

Name: Big Stone

Nearest Town: Ortonville Primary County: Big Stone Survey Date: 07/25/2011 Inventory Number: 06015200

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Public Access Information

Fishing Regulations:

Lake Characteristics

Fish Sampled for the 2011 Survey Year

Length of Selected Species (Trapnet, Gillnet) Sampled for the 2011 Survey Year

Fish Stocking Activity

Fish Stocked by Species for the Last Ten Years

Fish Consumption Guidelines

These fish consumption guidelines help people make choices about which fish to eat and how often. Following the guidelin es enables people to reduce their exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits from fish.

Pregnant Women, Women who may become pregnant and Children under age 15

General Population

DOWID - MN DNR, Divion of Waters' lake ID number.

Contaminants listed were measured at levels that trigger advice to limit consumption.

Listing of consumption guidelines do not imply the fish are legal to keep, MN DNR fishing regulations should be consulted.

Dioxin
Mercury
PCBS - Polychlorinated biphenyls
PFOS - Perfluorooctane sulfanate

Status of the Fishery (as of 07/25/2011)

Big Stone Lake is located in western Minnesota adjacent to Ortonville. It is a narrow lake that measures 27 miles long and 0.5-1 mile wide. Big Stone has a surface area of 12,610 acres and a maximum depth of 16 feet. It is a highly productive lake and a popular recreational destination in west-central Minnesota. Big Stone is a Minnesota-South Dakota border water and is subject to border water fishing regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks cooperatively manage the fishery. Big Stone Lake provides a high quality walleye fishery. Walleye from a wide range of sizes were present in 2011, with fish from 12-20 inches most abundant. The walleye population is the result of natural reproduction and supplemental fry stocking. Walleye fry are normally stocked during even years, but the schedule is adjusted as needed based on walleye abundance, fish condition, and available forage. Walleye year classes have been present annually since 1998. The strongest year classes (1998, 2001, 07, 09) have been primarily produced by natural reproduction. Fishing for yellow perch has been good in recent years. During 2011 perch were abundant from 5-10 inches, and larger fish were also present. Anglers reported good catches of perch during the winter of 2011-12. The water was clear and at times up to 30 perch could be observed down the ice hole pursuing the bait. A moderate bluegill population has developed during recent years and anglers occasionally report good catches of large bluegills from localized areas. Good fishing for white bass and freshwater drum also occurs on Big Stone Lake. High numbers have been present in recent years. Both species are well suited to the existing habitat conditions and they frequently experience good natural reproduction. Both species have a delicate white flesh and provide excellent table fair. Their flavor can be further improved by trimming the reddish "mud line" meat from the fillets when cleaning. Anglers are encouraged to harvest and consume them. Excellent recipes for preparing drum, as well as all species of fish, can be located on the internet by searching "drum recipes".

For more information on this lake, contact: Area Fisheries Supervisor 811 Pine St Ortonville, MN 56278 Phone: (320) 839-2656 Internet: Ortonville Fisheries E-Mail: Ortonville.Fisheries@state.mn.us	Lake maps can be obtained from: Minnesota Bookstore 660 Olive Street St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 297-3000 or (800) 657-3757 To order, use B0037 for the map-id.
For general DNR Information, contact: DNR Information Center 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 TDD: (651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR Internet: www.dnr.state.mn.us E-Mail: info.dnr@state.mn.us	Turn in Poachers (TIP):     Toll-free: (800) 652-9093