Big Swan

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Big Swan Lake on September 24th, 2025, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 13 YOY were sampled for a catch rate of 13.0 fish/hr., which was below the lake's historical (1994 to 2025) median (18.6 fish/hr.) and was the second lowest catch rate on record, since electrofishing resumed in 2017. This indicated that a small sized YOY year class was present. In 2025, the average length for YOY was 6.7 inches, which was below Big Swan's historical average (7.1 inches). Walleye fry were not stocked in 2025, so those fish resulted from natural reproduction. In 2025, a total of 9 yearlings were sampled for a catch rate of 9.0 fish/hr., which was below Big Swan's historical (2017 to 2025) yearling median (12.5 fish/hr.) and was tied with the lake's second lowest yearling catch rate on record. Walleye fry were not stocked in 2024, so those yearlings were the result of natural reproduction. The average length for the yearlings was 11.4 inches and was below Big Swan's historical average (12.3 inches). Due to the significant natural reproduction of Walleye at Big Swan, the lake will only be stocked with Walleye fry if two consecutive fall electrofishing catch rates drop below 20 YOY/hr. Since the 2024 and 2025 YOY catch rates were both below 20 YOY/hr., fry will be stocked in 2026. Big Swan is electrofished annually.

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Big Swan Lake on September 15th, 2024, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 2 YOY were sampled for a catch rate of 2.0 fish/h, which was below the lake's historical (1994-2024) median (22.0 fish/h) and was the lowest catch rate ever recorded at this lake. This indicated that a small sized YOY year class was present. In 2024, the average length for YOY was 6.5 inches, which was below Big Swan's historical average (7.1 inches). Walleye fry were not stocked in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, a total of 69 yearlings were sampled for a catch rate of 69.0 fish/h, which was above Big Swan's historical (2017-2024) yearling median (12.8 fish/h) and was the lake's second highest yearling catch rate on record. The 2023 year class, now yearlings, appears strong. The average length for the yearlings was 11.1 inches and was below Big Swan's historical average (12.4 inches). Due to the combination of immigration and natural reproduction of Walleye at Big Swan keeping abundance strong, the lake management plan calls for Big Swan to be stocked with Walleye fry only if two consecutive fall electrofishing catch rates fall below 20 YOY/hr. Big Swan is fall electrofished annually.

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Big Swan Lake on September 15th, 2024, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 2 YOY were sampled for a catch rate of 2.0 fish/h, which was below the lake's historical (1994-2024) median (22.0 fish/h) and was the lowest catch rate ever recorded at this lake. This indicated that a small sized YOY year class was present. In 2024, the average length for YOY was 6.5 inches, which was below Big Swan's historical average (7.1 inches). Walleye fry were not stocked in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, a total of 69 yearlings were sampled for a catch rate of 69.0 fish/h, which was above Big Swan's historical (2017-2024) yearling median (12.8 fish/h) and was the lake's second highest yearling catch rate on record. The 2023 year class, now yearlings, appears strong. The average length for the yearlings was 11.1 inches and was below Big Swan's historical average (12.4 inches). Due to the combination of immigration and natural reproduction of Walleye at Big Swan keeping abundance strong, the lake management plan calls for Big Swan to be stocked with Walleye fry only if two consecutive fall electrofishing catch rates fall below 20 YOY/hr. Big Swan is fall electrofished annually.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass in Big Swan. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Big Swan. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Big Swan has a maximum depth of 32 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Big Swan is from 2024.

Yes — Big Swan has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Big Swan has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide channel catfish limit is: 5, only 1 fish over 24". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.