Bigstone MN/SD Opener

[drifterspice mn]

We were out there last year, and the fishing was difficult. There was a "cool water algae bloom" in progress in the upper portion of the lake, and our lures were covered with green slime upon contact with the water. The lower portion end of the lake was cleaner, and we were able to catch a few fish in the crowds there. This was my first visit to this lake, and we are going to give it a try this year (April 28-29).

Should we expect the same this year, or will the later ice-out (I hope) make things easier?

I will post a report when we get back.

Thanks in advance for any opinions!

[Bart]

That green slime was unusual, usually the water is very clear in the spring so hopefully there won't be any slime this year.

[JKJ]

Yep, green slime is common. The best approach I have found is running a short 3 foot crawler harness behing a bottom bouncer. Then, on the line back to you rod, pinch on a split shot.

The bottom bouncer and split shot picks up the crud.....for a while anyway!

[Eyez]

It looks like we're going to have a pretty late ice out this year, I don't expect the ice to be completely off Big Stone for a couple weeks yet. The ice should go fast now that the snow is all melted off the top, but there's still alot of ice on most of the lakes. That'll probably lead to the opener being right smack in the middle of the spawn, or maybe just after it, depending on how warm it gets in the next week or so. That should make for good fishing for smaller males. I don't know if it'll be better than last year, but it'll definately be different.


Eyez

[MN]

I was also there last year, my advice is to stay home and watch golf or go to Waubay. Bigstone is a swamp.

MN

[mike]

I am new to the area, but when is the opener on Big Stone, I thought I heard that it opens earlier than the rest, is this right? Thanks

[Stone]

Yes, Big Stone is before the Minnesota inland opener. It's usually the last weekend of April, two to three weeks before inland waters.

As for ice out, it could be very late this year. People were still driving vehicles on the lake this last weekend. Could be very close this year.

As for the green slime. That is "not" common on Big Stone. The way I understand it, it has a lot to do from the winter of 1997 when the lake flooded and was 9 feet above normal. A lot of junk got washed into the lake. Also, the very quick and early ice outs we had that last couple years with the water warming so quickly has also added to that too.

As for the lake being a big slough. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Big Stone is a excellent fishery on a very consistent basis. Some very nice fish have been caught the last couple of years. Being somewhat of a local, I hope anglers come and enjoy Big Stone. Just please don't keep everything you catch. Keep enough for a meal and release the bigger fish so that the can spawn and continue to provide great fishing on Big Stone for my kids. I'm guessing that post was to get someone going, but hey I had to clear the waters.

Good Luck this Year, and be safe!