Birch Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. DNR lake ID 11041200.
Birch Lake is a 1,267-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 60% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11041200 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Hackensack |
| Surface area | 1,267 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Mean depth | 10.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 60% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 14.3 ft, phosphorus 13.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Birch Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Birch Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 3.17 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.09 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 15.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.91 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.83 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.58 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.91 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.92 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.73 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.45 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.42 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.27 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.73 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2018), Northern pike 33.0 in (2018), Walleye 27.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
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
- Birch Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. In Hackensack, at West end of Whipple Avenue. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Poquet Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Ten Mile Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Fish Lake 2.9 mi, Cass County
- Jackpine Lake 3.2 mi, Cass County
- Stony Lake 3.5 mi, Cass County
- Boss Lake 3.5 mi, Cass County
- Pleasant Lake 3.8 mi, Cass County
- Muskrat Lake 4.0 mi, Cass County
Questions about Birch Lake
How deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 60% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers about 1,267 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Birch Lake?
Summer water clarity on Birch Lake averages 14.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Birch Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Birch 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.
What fish are in Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Birch Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Birch Lake?
Birch Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Birch Lake.
How is the walleye population on Birch Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2018, walleye numbers on Birch Lake ran mostly within 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 Birch Lake?
Homes on Birch 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 Birch Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Birch Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 60% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Birch Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Birch Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Birch Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.