Long Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11045400.
Long Lake is a 142.5-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 48 ft, and about 54% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.1 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.
Buying or selling on Long 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Long LakeWhat’s my Long Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11045400 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 142.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 48 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 54% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.1 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 16.1 ft.
Fishing on Long Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 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 | 2.83 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.43 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.67 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.29 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.71 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.0 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 17.67 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Rock bass | trap | 6.0 | 0.4 to 1.7 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 21.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2015), Walleye 19.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Green sunfish.
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
- Long Lake, Deerfield: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. NW of Backus, 2 miles N on Hwy 371, 2.8 miles W on Cty Rd 116, W 1.1 mile on Long Lake county forest road to east shore of lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Lee Lake 0.9 mi, Cass County
- Sleepy Island Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Pine Mountain Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Perch Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Beuber Lake 3.2 mi, Cass County
- North Haynes Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Variety Lake 3.9 mi, Cass County
Questions about Long Lake
How deep is Long Lake?
Long Lake reaches a maximum depth of 48 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 54% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Long Lake?
Long Lake covers about 142.5 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Long Lake?
Summer water clarity on Long Lake averages 16.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Long Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Long 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 Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, rock bass, green sunfish in Long Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Long Lake?
Long Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Long Lake, Deerfield.
How is the walleye population on Long Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2015, walleye numbers on Long Lake ran mostly above 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 Long Lake?
Homes on Long 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 Long Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Long Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 54% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Long Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Long Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Long 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 2015), 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.