Sanborn Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11036100.
Sanborn Lake is a 220.3-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 48 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 20.3 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11036100 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 220.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 48 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 20.3 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2024) |
| 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 2024: clarity 20.3 ft, phosphorus 8.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sanborn Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: steady.
Fishing on Sanborn 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 | 3.0 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.0 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 8.17 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.67 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.56 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.11 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.67 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.5 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.44 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2022), Walleye 28.0 in (2022), Northern pike 33.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
- Sanborn Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 3 miles East of Backus on MN Hwy. 87, then 0.1 mile South on Powers Township Road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Fawn Lake 0.5 mi, Cass County
- Johnson Lake 0.7 mi, Cass County
- Rainy Lake 0.9 mi, Cass County
- Lind Lake 1.3 mi, Cass County
- Brockway Lake 1.4 mi, Cass County
- Horseshoe Lake 1.7 mi, Cass County
- Willard Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Big Portage Lake 2.3 mi, Cass County
Questions about Sanborn Lake
How deep is Sanborn Lake?
Sanborn Lake reaches a maximum depth of 48 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sanborn Lake?
Sanborn Lake covers about 220.3 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sanborn Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sanborn Lake averages 20.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Sanborn Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sanborn 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 Sanborn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Sanborn Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Sanborn Lake?
Sanborn Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sanborn Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sanborn Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2022, walleye numbers on Sanborn 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 Sanborn Lake?
Homes on Sanborn 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 Sanborn Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sanborn Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 20.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sanborn Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sanborn Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sanborn 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.