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Big Cormorant Lake

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
3
Species
15

Big Cormorant Lake is a premier fishing destination located in Becker County, Minnesota. At 3,421 acres, it's the second largest lake in the county and offers excellent fishing opportunities for multiple species. Its proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead area makes it a popular destination, resulting in heavy angling pressure and extensive shoreline development. This guide provides detailed information to help anglers successfully fish Big Cormorant Lake while respecting its resources.

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 4

  • Walleye812,471 fish · Fry2024
  • Walleye812,046 fish · Fry2023
  • Walleye406,562 fish · Fry2022
  • Walleye406,000 fish · Fry2021

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Big Cormorant Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Cormorant Lake (NE) Public Water Access Site

Cormorant Lake (NE) Public Water Access Site

Boat Ramp
Cormorant Lake (W) Public Water Access Site

Cormorant Lake (W) Public Water Access Site

Boat Ramp
Cormorant Lake Northeast Boat Ramp

Cormorant Lake Northeast Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Big Cormorant Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Big Cormorant Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Big Cormorant Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Big Cormorant Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Big Cormorant Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

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