Big Stone Lake

Big Stone Lake

Ortonville, Roberts County, SD
19mi²
291.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Spanning across Roberts County in South Dakota and Big Stone County in Minnesota, Big Stone Lake is a magnificent destination that offers anglers a diverse and exciting fishing experience. With its expansive size of 11,983 acres and an impressive shoreline length of 119.86 miles, this sprawling lake provides ample space for anglers to explore its vast waters. Known for its abundant fish species and natural beauty, Big Stone Lake promises a fun-filled adventure for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. Anglers visiting Big Stone Lake will encounter a wide range of fish species, ensuring diversity and excitement in their fishing endeavors. The lake is home to black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, bullheads, channel catfish, crappie, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, lake sturgeon, largemouth bass, northern pike, orangespotted sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, sunfish, walleye, white bass, white crappie, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, bigmouth buffalo, common carp, freshwater drum, golden redhorse, quillback, redhorse, shorthead redhorse, shortnose gar, smallmouth buffalo, suckers, white sucker, bigmouth shiner, blacknose dace (western), blackside darter, bluntnose minnow, brassy minnow, brook stickleback, carmine shiner, central stoneroller, common shiner, creek chub, darters, emerald shiner, fathead minnow, golden shiner, hornyhead chub, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, minnows, rosyface shiner, sand shiner, spotfin shiner, spottail shiner, and tadpole madtom. One of the highly sought-after game fish in Big Stone Lake is the Walleye. Known for their elusive nature and delicious flavor, Walleye provide anglers with an exhilarating challenge. Casting their lines into the lake's clear waters, anglers employ various techniques such as trolling, jigging, or live bait presentations to entice these cunning predators. The thrill of hooking and landing a Walleye in Big Stone Lake is a testament to both angling skill and persistence. Largemouth Bass is another prized species that entices anglers to Big Stone Lake. These spirited fish, known for their fierce strikes and acrobatic fights, provide an exciting challenge for anglers. With the lake's diverse habitat and ample structure, Largemouth Bass find excellent hiding spots, making them an enticing target. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking and reeling in these impressive game fish while appreciating the natural beauty of the lake's surroundings. Big Stone Lake is also home to an array of panfish species, including bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed. These feisty and colorful fish provide anglers of all ages and skill levels with a rewarding and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether fishing from a dock, shoreline, or boat, anglers can enjoy the challenge of targeting these panfish while appreciating the tranquility and scenic beauty of the lake. Beyond its exceptional fishing opportunities, Big Stone Lake offers a serene and picturesque environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by the natural beauty of both South Dakota and Minnesota, the lake offers breathtaking vistas and opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Whether casting a line from the shoreline, embarking on a kayak adventure, or simply enjoying a picnic by the lake, Big Stone Lake promises a memorable outdoor experience. In summary, Big Stone Lake, spanning Roberts County in South Dakota and Big Stone County in Minnesota, is a captivating destination that caters to the diverse interests of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its expansive size, diverse fish species, and natural beauty, the lake provides a rewarding and exciting fishing adventure. Whether targeting Walleye, Largemouth Bass, or enjoying a day of panfishing, anglers will find joy and tranquility in the pristine waters of Big Stone Lake.

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Current Conditions

73°F°
Feels like 68°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
60°F°
Today's Low
48°F°

Water Temperature

57°F
Updated: (Apr 30)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Big Stone Lake is 57°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind10 mph S (Gust 17 mph)
Pressure
29.71 inHg
Visibility40 mi
Humidity30%
Cloud Cover100%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
51°F°
52%
10 AM
52°F°
47%
1 PM
57°F°
21%
4 PM
60°F°
20%

Temperature

High
60°F°
Low
48°F°

Precipitation

Chance76%
Amount0.19"
Typerain

Wind

10mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
26mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed16 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise11:14 AM
Sunset1:33 AM
Moon PhasewaxingCrescent
Max UV Index4 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

9:55 PM - 12:25 AM

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Minor Times (Good)

1:22 PM - 2:52 PM

5:28 AM - 6:58 AM

Outlook for Thursday at Big Stone Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 48°F to 60°F. There's a 76% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.19" rain. Winds will be averaging 10 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 26 mph. The maximum UV index will be 4 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 9:55 PM and 8:30 AM, or try the minor windows near 1:22 PM and 5:28 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Big Stone Lake.

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April 30th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
291 ft
Area
19 mi²
Coordinates
45.380, -96.559

Weather Forecast

Thursday

60°F
48°F

Friday

60°F
44°F

Saturday

68°F
39°F

Sunday

73°F
44°F

Monday

73°F
47°F

Tuesday

72°F
48°F

Wednesday

64°F
46°F

Thursday

74°F
45°F

Friday

75°F
52°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
60°F
48°F
12am
56°F
57°F
29.78 hPa
9 mph
NW
G: 20 mph
2am
54°F
57°F
29.77 hPa
6 mph
NNW
G: 17 mph
4am
52°F
57°F
29.76 hPa
7 mph
NNW
G: 17 mph
6am
52°F
57°F
29.76 hPa
10 mph
NNW
G: 20 mph
8am
51°F
57°F
29.80 hPa
16 mph
NNW
G: 26 mph
10am
52°F
57°F
29.81 hPa
11 mph
NNW
G: 22 mph
12pm
55°F
57°F
29.82 hPa
13 mph
NNW
G: 19 mph
2pm
59°F
57°F
29.82 hPa
12 mph
N
G: 19 mph
4pm
60°F
57°F
29.81 hPa
12 mph
NNW
G: 20 mph
6pm
58°F
57°F
29.81 hPa
14 mph
N
G: 19 mph
8pm
55°F
57°F
29.83 hPa
10 mph
NNW
G: 18 mph
10pm
51°F
57°F
29.87 hPa
7 mph
NNW
G: 14 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Big Stone Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

34°F

On Jan 27

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

54°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (77°F).
  • Coolest avg: February (35°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: March → April (+13°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-15°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm07142128

Wind Direction

325°

Pressure

1008 mb

Cloud Cover

95%

Visibility

13 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

ThuFriSatSunMonTueWedThuFri0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Stone Lake

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