Big Sugar Bush

Big Sugar Bush is a 472-acre, scenic lake in north-central Becker County, within the boundary of the White Earth Indian Reservation. Water clarity is relatively high (average 17 feet), and a diverse fish community provides a variety of angling opportunities. A standard fisheries survey was completed in June 2022 to evaluate the current status of the fish populations in Big Sugar Bush Lake. Northern Pike abundance was higher than normal for Big Sugar Bush Lake. Pike were mostly small, averaging 17 inches long. Walleye abundance was low and similar to what was observed in the late 90's. Walleye ranged in size from 10 to 25 inches, with an average length of 18 inches. Black Crappie abundance was lower than the last survey conducted in 2017, but still higher than average for Big Sugar Bush Lake. Crappie had an average length of 10 inches and needed four years of growth to reach nine inches long. Bluegill abundance was the third highest ever recorded, the first time it has reached this level since 1992. Bluegill averaged eight inches long. Largemouth Bass that were captured during the survey had an average size of 13 inches, with the largest bass measuring 17 inches. Catch rates of Yellow Perch during fisheries surveys have never been high in Big Sugar Bush Lake and the 2022 survey was no exception. Perch ranged in size from 6 to 10 inches long. Other sampled fish species included Black, Brown and Yellow Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, and White Sucker.

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community on Big Sugar Bush Lake was conducted on July 17, 2017 by Fisheries Lake Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) program staff. Sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten stations with two sites sampled from the boat due to a substantial fringe of abundant bulrush, water lilies, and wild rice out to deep water. A 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations, a 15-foot seine was used at six station, and abundant emergent vegetation in deep water prevented the use of seines at two sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 13 native species of fish including three species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, and Iowa Darter). Data from this targeted nearshore survey is combined with data from a standard gill and trap netting survey in June 2017 to calculate a Fish-based Index of Biologic Integrity (FIBI) score that describes the overall health of the lake. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. The FIBI score for Big Sugar Bush Lake based on this survey is above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Buffalo River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Big Sugar Bush is a 472-acre, scenic lake with many bays and peninsulas, located in north-central Becker County within the White Earth Reservation. Water clarity remains high with an average secchi disk reading of 18.4 feet and many lakeshore property owners have retained natural shoreline characteristics that preserve aesthetic and water qualities. A diverse fish community provides a variety of angling opportunities. The northern pike gill net catch in 2012 was 11.9 per net which was the highest catch rate for pike since 1964. Young fish dominated the sample with two and three year old fish accounting for nearly 90% of the sample. Northern pike growth rates were similar to statewide averages, but it still takes about seven or eight years to grow a rare, 30-inch pike in Big Sugar Bush. The average length of northern pike sampled was 18.3 inches. Increased walleye fry stocking in the late 1990's and early 2000's did not produce successful year classes or improve the walleye test net catches. Consequently, stocking plans reverted to fingerlings at an increased rate beginning in 2004. After two evaluation periods, walleye catches have increased. The walleye gill net catch rate in 2012 of 4.4 per net was slightly higher than catch rates in the past seven evaluations, but still below the management goal of 5.0 walleyes per net. Some anglers also reported better walleye fishing during the past few years. The current stocking regimen will likely be maintained for at least one more evaluation cycle (five years) before any potential changes are made. If it is determined that this stocking scheme is achieving the long range goal it will probably be maintained. Bluegill trap net catches have declined to the lowest level in history. While the catch rate of 12.8 bluegills per net is still within the normal range for similar lakes, it is about half the previous low found in 2002. Sampled bluegills were from two to 10 years old (most were age five or six) and they exhibited a slow growth rate of 5.1 inches in four years which was typical for this lake. The mean length of the bluegills sampled was 7.0 inches and several over eight inches were found. Yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass, brown and yellow bullhead, hybrid and pumpkinseed sunfish, and white sucker were also found during test netting. Bass averaged 10.4 inches while crappies averaged 9.0 inches in length. Preserving and restoring natural vegetation is critical in preserving water quality, fish habitat, and the entire lake ecosystem. Lakeshore residents continue to work to protect natural shoreline and lake vegetation. For example, the active lake association has been instrumental in acquiring and donating a large peninsula as a wildlife management area. This group has also opposed large-scale shoreline development projects that they feel would forever change the character of Big Sugar Bush Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass in Big Sugar Bush. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Big Sugar Bush has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Big Sugar Bush is from 2022.

No invasive species are on record for Big Sugar Bush in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.