Nestled on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota, Big Stone Lake is a winter angler’s paradise. Stretching 26 miles long and about a mile wide, this glacial lake transforms into a frozen playground each winter, drawing ice fishing enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Known for its abundant walleye, giant panfish and perch, and northern pike, Big Stone offers a unique blend of serene beauty and thrilling catches. Here’s a dive into why ice fishing on Big Stone Lake should be on every angler’s list.

Winter on Big Stone Lake typically locks in by mid-December.  Artie’s Bait & Tackle does a great job with ice updates on their social media all season long. The season runs through late February, sometimes early March, depending on the weather. The lake has a fairly shallow depth, averaging 12 feet with a maximum of 30.  Big Stone Lake is well known for giant panfish, including bluegills and perch.  Walleye, the lake’s star, are most active at dawn and dusk, while jumbo perch bite steadily throughout the day. Northern pike add excitement with their aggressive strikes, often lurking near weed beds.

My favorite species to target through the ice on Big Stone Lake is perch.  There are some giants out there, but most of the fish range in what I call the eater range of 9-to-11 inches.  The south basin of the lake and Rocky Ledge are two of the more popular places to find perch on Big Stone, but finding fish away from the crowds can be very satisfying and often leads to fish on the upper end of the size spectrum.

Tackle selection depends on your target. For walleye, a medium-light rod with 4-pound test line paired with a buckshot spoon or jigging Rapala tipped with a minnow head is deadly. Perch and bluegill love smaller jigs, like tungsten teardrops with wax worms or spikes. 

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Accessing Big Stone is straightforward. Ortonville and Big Stone City offer public access points, with plowed roads often maintained to popular fishing areas like Schmidt’s Landing or the Grapevine. Local resorts, such as Artie’s Bait and Tackle, provide fish house rentals and even guided trips for newcomers. Guides are worth considering—they know the lake’s hotspots and can shave hours off the learning curve.

Beyond fishing, Big Stone’s winter charm shines. Snow-dusted prairies frame the lake, and bald eagles often soar overhead, hunting for their own catch. Community events, like Ortonville’s annual ice fishing tournament, foster camaraderie among anglers. After a day on the ice, warm up at local spots like Berkner Pizza and Headwaters Grill & Bar.

Big Stone Lake delivers more than fish—it’s an experience. The quiet of a frozen morning, the thrill of a tugging line, and the warmth of a shared story make ice fishing here unforgettable. Pack your gear, bundle up, and head to Big Stone for a winter adventure that will hook you for life on this Western Minnesota jewel.