Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best smallmouth bass lakes in Becker County
The DNR has surveyed smallmouth bass in 14 lakes in Becker County. The 7 ranked below are the ones that earn a grade on this site. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Bad Medicine Lake is first at B+. The DNR caught 14.8 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2022 survey, and the biggest was 19 inches. Detroit Lake is second at B, with 4.5 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2025 survey, and none of its smallmouth bass measured over 15 inches. Juggler Lake is third at B, and its biggest smallmouth bass was 20 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 15" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Medicine Lake | B+ | 803 | 14.8/hr in electrofishing | 37% | 19" | 1.7 lb | 2022 |
| 2 | Detroit Lake | B | 3,067 | 4.5/hr in electrofishing | 0% | — | — | 2025 |
| 3 | Juggler Lake | B | 429 | — | 46% | 20" | 2.2 lb | 2022 |
| 4 | Strawberry Lake | B | 1,498 | — | 45% | 20" | 1.8 lb | 2023 |
| 5 | Middle Cormorant Lake | B− | 373 | — | 100% | 17" | 2.8 lb | 2021 |
| 6 | Island Lake | B− | 1,180 | 3.2/hr in electrofishing | 23% | 18" | 1.2 lb | 2023 |
| 7 | Big Cormorant Lake | C | 3,657 | 0.8/hr in electrofishing | 26% | 19" | 1 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Becker County: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best smallmouth bass lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.