Cutaway Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Balsam. DNR lake ID 01005600.
Cutaway Lake is a 112.7-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Balsam. Its deepest point reaches 24 ft, and about 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Cutaway Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01005600 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Balsam |
| Surface area | 112.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 24 ft |
| Mean depth | 11.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 62% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.5 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.5 ft.
Fishing on Cutaway Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1988 (38 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.67 | 2.5 to 7.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.25 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.33 | 1.5 to 20.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.0 | 1.0 to 9.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.75 | 1.1 to 10.6 |
| Bluegill | trap | 0.25 | 4.3 to 32.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.5 | 1.3 to 9.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.4 to 0.8 |
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Cutaway Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 1 mile east of MN Highway #65 in Cornish Township on the southeast shore of Rat House Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Savanna Lake 1.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Wakefield Lake 1.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Boot Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Wolf Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Loon Lake 2.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Remote Lake 2.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Bay 3.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Shumway Lake 3.6 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Cutaway Lake
How deep is Cutaway Lake?
Cutaway Lake reaches a maximum depth of 24 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Cutaway Lake?
Cutaway Lake covers about 112.7 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Cutaway Lake?
Summer water clarity on Cutaway Lake averages 5.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Cutaway Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Cutaway Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Where is the public boat access on Cutaway Lake?
Cutaway Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Cutaway Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Cutaway Lake?
Homes on Cutaway Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Cutaway Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Cutaway Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 62% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cutaway Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Cutaway Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Cutaway Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1988), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.