Pine Mountain Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11041100.
Pine Mountain Lake is a 1,612-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 80 ft, and about 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11041100 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 1,612 acres |
| Maximum depth | 80 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 46% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 48.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.3 ft, phosphorus 48.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Pine Mountain Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Pine Mountain Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 9.67 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.13 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.0 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.4 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 21.87 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.87 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.13 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.27 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.53 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.4 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.47 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.33 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.53 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.4 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.8 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.13 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.87 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.13 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 33.0 in (2022), Walleye 27.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
- Pine Mountain Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 9 trailer spaces. In Backus at the West end of Washburn Avenue. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bowen Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Long Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
- Sleepy Island Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Lind Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Lee Lake 3.3 mi, Cass County
- Beuber Lake 3.3 mi, Cass County
- Horseshoe Lake 3.4 mi, Cass County
Questions about Pine Mountain Lake
How deep is Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake reaches a maximum depth of 80 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake covers about 1,612 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pine Mountain Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pine Mountain Lake averages 11.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Pine Mountain Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Pine Mountain Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Pine Mountain Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Pine Mountain Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Pine Mountain Lake.
How is the walleye population on Pine Mountain Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2022, walleye numbers on Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Lake?
Homes on Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Pine Mountain Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 46% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pine Mountain Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Pine Mountain Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Pine Mountain 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 2022), 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.