Cass Lake

How big is Cass Lake?

How deep is Cass Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Cass Lake?

What are the closest cities to Cass Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Cass Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Cass Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Cass Lake Northeast

Cass Lake Northwest

Cass Lake Southeast

Cass Lake Southwest

Are there boat launches on Cass Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Cass Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Cass Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Cass Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Cass Lake?

Cass Lake is a nearly 16,000 acre lake and is the largest lake in the Cass Lake chain, which altogether includes over 25,000 acres of connected waters. The lake has a mix of expansive, shallow flats and deeper water with lots of underwater structure. Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Muskellunge are the most sought-after species.

The Walleye population of Cass Lake is healthy and is comprised of good numbers of fish distributed among numerous size and age classes. The 2023 gill net catch rate was 12.4 fish per net, slightly less than the long-term median catch rate (13.1 fish/net). Captured fish ranged from ages 1 to 13 with most fish ages 1 to 8. Half of the catch was between 12 and 17 inches, the smaller fish belonging to the upcoming 2021 year class and the larger fish belonging to the strong 2018 year class that will provide the nicer eating-sized fish this summer. These fish will provide good catch rates and fish for the frying pan for the next few years. The record-strong 2013 year class is still present in the population and providing anglers with quality-sized fish in the mid-20-inch range.

The clearer-than-usual water is due to the well-established zebra mussel population and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, Walleye anglers should focus their effort around low light periods or when there is a chop on the water as the clear water tends to keep fish deeper during the day. The catch rate for age-0 Walleye (approximately 6 inches) during fall electrofishing was poor. Cass Lake has a history of producing strong year classes every two or three years and this trend is expected to continue. The modest year classes between the strong ones help provide anglers with a wide size range of fish and reduces fishing mortality on the stronger ones.

The gill net catch rate for Yellow Perch (40 per net) was similar to the long-term median (45 per net). Growth rates have increased remarkably which has increased the number of keeper-sized fish in the population compared to recent years. The catch rate for fish over 9 inches in 2023 (10.4 fish/net) is among the highest since annual monitoring began in 1983. The largest fish exceeded 13 inches in length and anglers continue put together some impressive catches.

The Northern Pike catch rate of 3.0 fish per net was similar to the long-term median of 3.0 fish per gill net. Average to below average gill net catch rates for Northern Pike over the past few years is encouraging as modest densities tend to result in faster growth rates and larger fish. Remember, Cass Lake lies in the North Central Zone for Northern Pike so the daily bag limit is 10 fish per day with a 22- to 26-inch protected slot limit and no more than two fish can be over 26 inches. About one-quarter of Northern Pike in the gill net assessment were below the protected slot limit, one-third within the size restriction, and the balance of fish were larger than 26 inches. This gives anglers a nice opportunity to put together a meal of pike comprised of fish both above and below the protected slot limit.

All species in Cass Lake are managed under statewide regulations, except sunfish, for which a chain-wide five fish daily bag limit was implemented on March 1, 2021. The possession limit for sunfish remains at 20 fish.

Cass Lake water levels are affected by the operation of two dams on the Mississippi River. Otter Tail Power Company operates a dam upstream, just below Stump Lake. At the Cass Lake outlet is Knutson Dam, owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service modified the dam during winter 2015-2016 to a fixed-crest rock-arch structure with a gated bypass channel that will increase outlet capacity during high water events and aid in lowering water levels during winter to increase water storage capacity for the spring season.

The Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians operates a commercial fishery for Lake Whitefish and Cisco on the Cass Lake chain. A limited subsistence fishery for game species is also allowed for Band members.

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund cleanup site exists on Pike Bay near the south side of Cass Lake. The EPA has placed a consumption advisory on Lake Whitefish from Cass Lake and Pike Bay due to elevated body burdens of dioxins in this species.

What is the average air temp for Cass Lake?

Are there any state parks near Cass Lake?