Johnson Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11036300.
Johnson Lake is a 90-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 19.8 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Johnson 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 | 11036300 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 90 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 27% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 19.8 ft through 2016 |
| 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 2016: clarity 19.8 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Johnson Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Johnson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2014 (12 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 | 1.0 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.25 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 27.22 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.25 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.78 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.0 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 3.33 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2014), Northern pike 30.0 in (2014), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, White sucker, 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
- Fawn Lake 0.6 mi, Cass County
- Sanborn Lake 0.7 mi, Cass County
- Brockway Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Rainy Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Big Portage Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Lind Lake 2.0 mi, Cass County
- Willard Lake 2.0 mi, Cass County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
Questions about Johnson Lake
How deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers about 90 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Johnson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Johnson Lake averages 19.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2016. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Johnson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Johnson 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 Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Johnson Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2014.
How is the walleye population on Johnson Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2014, walleye numbers on Johnson 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 Johnson Lake?
Homes on Johnson 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 Johnson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Johnson Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 27% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 19.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Johnson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Johnson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Johnson 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 2014), 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.