Muskellunge Stocked · 11 plants · last November 1, 2023 Best: dawn, dusk Big Island Lake fishing
Big Island Lake fishing: not stocked since November 1, 2023. It was stocked with Muskellunge. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.
- Last stocked
- November 1, 2023
- · Muskellunge
- Plants on record
- 11
- Since 1980
- Species recorded
- 1
- Surface acres
- 139.7
Fish at Big Island Lake
Around the dates Big Island Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 48°F in October, 66.1°F in August, 60.1°F in September, 34.8°F in November. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Muskellunge Stocked · 11 plants · last November 1, 2023 Best: dawn, dusk How Big Island Lake is stocked
About 15 reported fish per acre, 18th most of 19 lakes in Schoolcraft County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1980
260
Fish stocked in 1990
198
Fish stocked in 1997
182
Fish stocked in 1999
262
Fish stocked in 2003
200
Fish stocked in 2008
299
Fish stocked in 2014
195
Fish stocked in 2019
195
Fish stocked in 2021
150
Fish stocked in 2023
130
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2023 | Muskellunge | 130 | – | report |
| October 26, 2021 | Muskellunge | 150 | – | report |
| October 30, 2019 | Muskellunge | 195 | – | report |
| October 15, 2014 | Muskellunge | 195 | – | report |
| October 22, 2008 | Muskellunge | 299 | – | report |
| October 14, 2003 | Muskellunge | 200 | – | report |
| September 14, 1999 | Muskellunge | 262 | – | report |
| September 3, 1997 | Muskellunge | 152 | – | report |
| August 28, 1997 | Muskellunge | 30 | – | report |
| August 17, 1990 | Muskellunge | 198 | – | report |
| August 14, 1980 | Muskellunge | 260 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Steuben
- Facilities
- camping
In the Big Island Lake Wilderness (Hiawatha NF). A 0.2-mile portage from the Main Entry trailhead on County Road 445 reaches the lake; canoes and kayaks are carried in. Designated campsites with fire rings and latrines line the shore, and short portages link it to the wilderness lake chain.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you go.
About Big Island Lake
Hikers and anglers attempting to access areas off-trail in the Big Island Lake Wilderness may find movement challenging because trails are limited and there is brush. (wilderness.net, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Nearest lakes
Public land at Big Island Lake
Big Island Lake is inside Big Island Lake Wilderness.
Boundaries from Public Lands DB, part of the same network.
Common questions
What fish are at Big Island Lake?
Fishing Big Island Lake usually means Muskellunge. All 11 plants on record are Muskellunge. Muskellunge was last stocked November 1, 2023.
When is Big Island Lake stocked?
Not stocked since November 1, 2023. About 15 reported fish per acre, 18th most of 19 lakes in Schoolcraft County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 34 years between 1980 and 2023.
How do you get on Big Island Lake?
The nearest town is Steuben. Facilities include camping. In the Big Island Lake Wilderness (Hiawatha NF). A 0.2-mile portage from the Main Entry trailhead on County Road 445 reaches the lake; canoes and kayaks are carried in. Designated campsites with fire rings and latrines line the shore, and short portages link it to the wilderness lake chain.
Which lakes near Big Island Lake were stocked more recently?
Neds Lake (1.8 mi), McKeever Lake (2.8 mi), and Petes Lake (2.9 mi) were stocked more recently. McKeever Lake is also stocked with Muskellunge.