
Big Butternut Lake
Situated in the beautiful landscapes of Polk County, Big Butternut Lake is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience. With its expansive 384-acre size and a maximum depth of 19 feet, this lake provides ample space and diverse fishing opportunities. Visitors can easily access the lake from a public boat landing, ensuring convenient entry for those eager to explore its waters. Big Butternut Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, making it an ideal destination for anglers of all levels of expertise. Panfish, such as bluegill and crappie, are plentiful in Big Butternut Lake, offering a fun and accessible fishing experience for individuals and families. These fish can be found near underwater structures, such as fallen trees and submerged vegetation, providing ideal habitats for feeding and breeding. Anglers can enjoy the tranquility of the lake while casting their lines and eagerly awaiting the nibble of these energetic and colorful fish. With their willingness to bite, panfish offer anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to engage in an enjoyable and rewarding fishing adventure. Largemouth bass are another popular species that inhabit the depths of Big Butternut Lake. Renowned for their size and strength, these powerful predators offer an exhilarating challenge for anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience. Largemouth bass can be found near submerged structures, such as weed beds and fallen logs, where they patiently wait to ambush their prey. Anglers can employ various techniques, including casting artificial lures or using live bait, to entice these formidable fish. The pursuit of largemouth bass in Big Butternut Lake not only promises an exciting battle but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and impressive size, can also be found in Big Butternut Lake. These voracious predators are often found near weed beds and underwater structures, where they lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. Anglers can experience the thrill of a powerful strike and engage in an intense battle as they try to land these formidable fish. With their sharp teeth and relentless fighting spirit, northern pike provide an exciting challenge that will leave anglers with a sense of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush. Walleye, with their elusive nature and nocturnal feeding habits, add an element of intrigue to the fishing opportunities at Big Butternut Lake. These prized fish are known for their delicious flesh and are sought after by anglers looking for a rewarding culinary experience. Walleye can often be found near deeper waters and underwater structures, making them a prime target for trolling or jigging techniques. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of outsmarting these elusive fish and savor the satisfaction of a successful catch. While the water clarity of Big Butternut Lake may be low, the fishing experience remains vibrant and exciting. The lake's murky waters create an atmosphere of mystery, adding to the allure of the fishing adventure. Anglers can rely on their skills, knowledge, and the guidance of local experts to navigate the lake's conditions and make the most of their fishing trips. Despite the low water clarity, the abundant fish population and the picturesque surroundings of Big Butternut Lake ensure that every angler's experience is memorable and filled with excitement. In conclusion, Big Butternut Lake in Polk County offers a fantastic fishing experience with its diverse fish population and picturesque surroundings. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of catching panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye in this serene lake. With convenient access from a public boat landing, visitors can embark on memorable fishing trips and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of nature. Whether casting a line from a boat or enjoying the peacefulness of the shoreline, Big Butternut Lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts seeking adventure and fulfillment.
Read more
Big Butternut Lake
Situated in the beautiful landscapes of Polk County, Big Butternut Lake is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience. With its expansive 384-acre size and a maximum depth of 19 feet, this lake provides ample space and diverse fishing opportunities. Visitors can easily access the lake from a public boat landing, ensuring convenient entry for those eager to explore its waters. Big Butternut Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, making it an ideal destination for anglers of all levels of expertise. Panfish, such as bluegill and crappie, are plentiful in Big Butternut Lake, offering a fun and accessible fishing experience for individuals and families. These fish can be found near underwater structures, such as fallen trees and submerged vegetation, providing ideal habitats for feeding and breeding. Anglers can enjoy the tranquility of the lake while casting their lines and eagerly awaiting the nibble of these energetic and colorful fish. With their willingness to bite, panfish offer anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to engage in an enjoyable and rewarding fishing adventure. Largemouth bass are another popular species that inhabit the depths of Big Butternut Lake. Renowned for their size and strength, these powerful predators offer an exhilarating challenge for anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience. Largemouth bass can be found near submerged structures, such as weed beds and fallen logs, where they patiently wait to ambush their prey. Anglers can employ various techniques, including casting artificial lures or using live bait, to entice these formidable fish. The pursuit of largemouth bass in Big Butternut Lake not only promises an exciting battle but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and impressive size, can also be found in Big Butternut Lake. These voracious predators are often found near weed beds and underwater structures, where they lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. Anglers can experience the thrill of a powerful strike and engage in an intense battle as they try to land these formidable fish. With their sharp teeth and relentless fighting spirit, northern pike provide an exciting challenge that will leave anglers with a sense of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush. Walleye, with their elusive nature and nocturnal feeding habits, add an element of intrigue to the fishing opportunities at Big Butternut Lake. These prized fish are known for their delicious flesh and are sought after by anglers looking for a rewarding culinary experience. Walleye can often be found near deeper waters and underwater structures, making them a prime target for trolling or jigging techniques. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of outsmarting these elusive fish and savor the satisfaction of a successful catch. While the water clarity of Big Butternut Lake may be low, the fishing experience remains vibrant and exciting. The lake's murky waters create an atmosphere of mystery, adding to the allure of the fishing adventure. Anglers can rely on their skills, knowledge, and the guidance of local experts to navigate the lake's conditions and make the most of their fishing trips. Despite the low water clarity, the abundant fish population and the picturesque surroundings of Big Butternut Lake ensure that every angler's experience is memorable and filled with excitement. In conclusion, Big Butternut Lake in Polk County offers a fantastic fishing experience with its diverse fish population and picturesque surroundings. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of catching panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye in this serene lake. With convenient access from a public boat landing, visitors can embark on memorable fishing trips and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of nature. Whether casting a line from a boat or enjoying the peacefulness of the shoreline, Big Butternut Lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts seeking adventure and fulfillment.
Read more detailsCurrent Conditions
Water Temperature
Current water temperature for Big Butternut Lake is 53°F.
Current Snapshot
Forecast: Saturday, May 10
Clear
Hourly Insights
Temperature
Precipitation
Wind
Sun, Moon & UV
Solunar Fishing Forecast
Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)
5:00 AM - 5:00 AM
3:45 PM - 6:15 PM
11:22 PM - 12:52 AM
9:04 AM - 10:34 AM
Outlook for Saturday at Big Butternut Lake
Expect temperatures ranging from 48°F to 71°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 7 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 23 mph. The maximum UV index will be 7 (High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 3/5 (Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 5:00 AM and 3:45 PM, or try the minor windows near 11:22 PM and 9:04 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Big Butternut Lake.
Lake Map Views

Try Premium Features
Find the fishing sweet spots! See detailed temperature readings throughout your lake.
No credit card required for preview
Lake Information
Nearby Lakes
Water Temperature History
Trends for Big Butternut Lake
Current Temp
Latest recorded surface temperature.
Lowest in Period
37°F
On Mar 20
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: March (41°F).
- Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+12°F).
- Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-17°F).
Weather Forecast
Wind speed and pressure trends
Hourly Wind Forecast
Wind Direction
1°
Pressure
1022 mb
Cloud Cover
1%
Visibility
43 miles
Daily Pressure Forecast


Frequently Asked Questions About Big Butternut Lake
Get accurate, up-to-date information about conditions at Big Butternut Lake.