Hand Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11024200.
Hand Lake is a 289.2-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 57 ft, and about 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Hand 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 | 11024200 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 289.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 57 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 48% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.7 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hand Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Hand 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.0 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2022), Walleye 27.0 in (2019), Northern pike 28.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2019).
Public boat access
- Hand Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 8 miles East of Backus on MN Hwy. 87, then 1.4 miles East on Cass Co. Rd. #49. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Tamarack Lake 0.5 mi, Cass County
- Two Lake 0.6 mi, Cass County
- One Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Ponto Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Hay Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Ada Lake 2.3 mi, Cass County
- Bass Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
Questions about Hand Lake
How deep is Hand Lake?
Hand Lake reaches a maximum depth of 57 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hand Lake?
Hand Lake covers about 289.2 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hand Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hand Lake averages 16.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Hand Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Hand Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Hand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Hand Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Hand Lake?
Hand Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Hand Lake.
How is the walleye population on Hand Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2019, walleye numbers on Hand Lake ran mostly below 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 Hand Lake?
Homes on Hand 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 Hand Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hand Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 48% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hand Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hand Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hand 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 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.