Pillager Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. DNR lake ID 11032000.
Pillager Lake is a 205-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.8 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, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Pillager 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 | 11032000 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Pillager |
| Surface area | 205 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.8 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 2020: clarity 14.8 ft, phosphorus 8.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Pillager Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Pillager 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 | 0.17 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.0 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.5 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 54.0 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2014), Northern pike 28.0 in (2014), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker.
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
- Pillager Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. From Pillager, 2 miles North on Cass Co. Rd. #1. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rice Lake 0.9 mi, Cass County
- Beauty Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Dead Horse Lake 3.0 mi, Cass County
- Green Bass Lake 3.3 mi, Cass County
- Long Lake 3.4 mi, Cass County
- Sylvan Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Little Red Sand Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Rock Lake 4.0 mi, Cass County
Questions about Pillager Lake
How deep is Pillager Lake?
Pillager Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pillager Lake?
Pillager Lake covers about 205 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pillager Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pillager Lake averages 14.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Pillager Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Pillager 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 Pillager Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, tullibee (cisco), white sucker in Pillager Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2014.
Where is the public boat access on Pillager Lake?
Pillager Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Pillager Lake.
How is the walleye population on Pillager Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1997 to 2014, walleye numbers on Pillager 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 Pillager Lake?
Homes on Pillager 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 Pillager Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Pillager Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pillager Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Pillager Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Pillager 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.