Howard Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. DNR lake ID 11047200.
Howard Lake is a 385.6-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. Its deepest point reaches 60 ft, and about 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Howard 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 | 11047200 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Akeley |
| Surface area | 385.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 60 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 26% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 9.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 15.9 ft, phosphorus 9.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Howard Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Howard Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2001 (25 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 | 0.89 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.89 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.56 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.22 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 30.22 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.56 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 5.89 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 4.56 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.67 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 29.0 in (2001), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2001), Northern pike 35.0 in (2001).
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
- Little Bass Lake 1.2 mi, Cass County
- Million Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Shingobee Lake 1.8 mi, Hubbard County
- Steel Lake 2.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Bass Lake 2.1 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.6 mi, Hubbard County
- Muskrat Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Williams Lake 2.9 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Howard Lake
How deep is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake reaches a maximum depth of 60 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake covers about 385.6 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Howard Lake?
Summer water clarity on Howard Lake averages 15.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Howard Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Howard 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.
How is the walleye population on Howard Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2001, walleye numbers on Howard 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 Howard Lake?
Homes on Howard 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 Howard Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Howard Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 26% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Howard Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Howard Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Howard 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 2001), 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.