Hardy Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 11020900.
Hardy Lake is a 105-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 26 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. 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.
Buying or selling on Hardy 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 | 11020900 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 105 acres |
| Maximum depth | 26 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.2 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.2 ft.
Fishing on Hardy Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 0.33 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.67 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.67 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.67 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.33 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 11.0 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.78 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2017), Northern pike 32.0 in (2017), Walleye 20.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Yellow 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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sylvan Lake 2.8 mi, Morrison County
- Perch Lake 4.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- White Sand Lake 4.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Crow Wing Lake 4.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Whipple Lake 4.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Red Sand Lake 5.0 mi, Cass County
- Red Sand Lake 5.5 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Hardy Lake
How deep is Hardy Lake?
Hardy Lake reaches a maximum depth of 26 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hardy Lake?
Hardy Lake covers about 105 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hardy Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hardy Lake averages 14.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Hardy Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Hardy 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 Hardy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Hardy Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Are there lake homes for sale on Hardy Lake?
Homes on Hardy 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 Hardy Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hardy Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hardy Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hardy Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hardy 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 2017), 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.