Cass Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. DNR lake ID 04003000.
Cass Lake is a 15,958-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. Its deepest point reaches 120 ft, and about 20% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04003000 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Cass Lake |
| Surface area | 15,958 acres |
| Maximum depth | 120 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 20% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.6 ft through 2019 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2019: clarity 11.6 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Cass Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Cass Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 11.15 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.55 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 48.9 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.2 | n/a |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 4.9 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 0.15 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.05 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.25 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Burbot | gill | 0.05 | 0.1 to 0.2 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2022), Northern pike 37.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2021), Muskellunge 29.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: starry stonewort (listed 2016), zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
- Cass Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 14 trailer spaces. 6 miles NE of the town of Cass Lake, .5 miles off County Road 39 on the east side of Cass Lake, in Bimijiwan Recreation Area, formerly known as Knutson Dam. Directions
- Cass Lake, Norway Beach (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 15 trailer spaces. 3 miles east of city of Cass Lake, off Hwy 2 on Mississippi river, Noreay Beach Recreation Area. Directions
- Cass Lake, Hwy 2: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 24 trailer spaces. In the city of Cass Lake, on E edge of town off US Hwy 2, adjacent to MnDot Rest Area. Directions
- Cass Lake, Wanaki (SE): 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 3.5 miles east of city of Cass Lake, off US Hwy 2, on Norway Beach Road, on east shore of Cass Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Windigo Lake 0.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Lost Lake 2.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Buck Lake 2.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Schram Lake 3.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Mission Lake 3.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Pug Hole Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Silver Lake 4.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Lake 4.2 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Cass Lake
How deep is Cass Lake?
Cass Lake reaches a maximum depth of 120 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 20% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Cass Lake?
Cass Lake covers about 15,958 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Cass Lake?
Summer water clarity on Cass Lake averages 11.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2019. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Cass Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Cass Lake for starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Cass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Cass Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Cass Lake?
Cass Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: Cass Lake (E); Cass Lake, Norway Beach (S); Cass Lake, Hwy 2; Cass Lake, Wanaki (SE).
How is the walleye population on Cass Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2015 to 2022, walleye numbers on Cass Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Cass Lake?
Homes on Cass 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 Cass Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Cass Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 20% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cass Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Cass Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), 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.