Big Stone Lake is on the border between South Dakota and Minnesota. The lake occupies the valley of a glacial river that once drained historic Lake Aggasiz. The surface area of the lake is 12,610 acres, and the lake extends southward for 26 miles from Browns Valley, Minnesota, to Ortonville, Minnesota, and Big Stone City, South Dakota.
Big Stone Lake and its fishery are the primary feature for Big Stone Lake State Park, Hartford Beach State Park, and several resorts. The lake is also an important recreational attraction for Ortonville, Big Stone City, and surrounding communities. The fishery of the lake has the potential to contribute substantially to local and state economies.
Walleyes are the predominate fish of Big Stone Lake - however there are nice populations of perch. In addition, there are also some crappie, blue gill, and Northern pike.