Sleepy Island Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11045600.
Sleepy Island Lake is a 15.3-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 23 ft, and about 21% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Sleepy Island 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 Sleepy Island LakeWhat’s my Sleepy Island Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11045600 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 15.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 23 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 21% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.5 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 8.5 ft.
Fishing on Sleepy Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1992 (34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 2.5 to 7.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 17.0 | 1.5 to 20.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 20.22 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 6.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 139.56 | 4.3 to 32.8 |
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
- Lee Lake 0.8 mi, Cass County
- Long Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Perch Lake 1.6 mi, Cass County
- Pine Mountain Lake 2.7 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 3.4 mi, Cass County
- North Haynes Lake 4.0 mi, Cass County
- Beuber Lake 4.2 mi, Cass County
- Variety Lake 4.5 mi, Cass County
Questions about Sleepy Island Lake
How deep is Sleepy Island Lake?
Sleepy Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 23 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 21% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sleepy Island Lake?
Sleepy Island Lake covers about 15.3 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sleepy Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sleepy Island Lake averages 8.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Sleepy Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sleepy Island 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Sleepy Island Lake?
Homes on Sleepy Island 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 Sleepy Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sleepy Island Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 21% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sleepy Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sleepy Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sleepy Island 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 1992), 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.