Steamboat Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. DNR lake ID 11050400.
Steamboat Lake is a 1,756-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. Its deepest point reaches 93 ft, and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.2 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 | 11050400 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Cass Lake |
| Surface area | 1,756 acres |
| Maximum depth | 93 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 30% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.2 ft, phosphorus 11.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Steamboat Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Steamboat Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 3.2 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.27 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.53 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.4 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 9.87 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 3.67 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.07 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.4 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.4 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 2.53 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.13 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.33 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.13 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 6.33 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 3.27 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 33.0 in (2021), Walleye 28.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 12.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, 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 2017).
Public boat access
- Steamboat Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. 7.5 miles south of city of Cass Lake, off County Road 141, on east shore of Steamboat Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Portage Lake 3.0 mi, Cass County
- Swamp Lake 3.5 mi, Cass County
- Crooked Lake 4.6 mi, Cass County
- Hart Lake 4.7 mi, Hubbard County
- Welch Lake 4.7 mi, Cass County
- Garfield Lake 4.9 mi, Hubbard County
- Little Twin Lake 5.3 mi, Cass County
- Moss Lake 5.4 mi, Cass County
Questions about Steamboat Lake
How deep is Steamboat Lake?
Steamboat Lake reaches a maximum depth of 93 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Steamboat Lake?
Steamboat Lake covers about 1,756 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Steamboat Lake?
Summer water clarity on Steamboat Lake averages 12.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Steamboat Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Steamboat Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Steamboat Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Steamboat Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Steamboat Lake?
Steamboat Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Steamboat Lake.
How is the walleye population on Steamboat Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Steamboat 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 Steamboat Lake?
Homes on Steamboat 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 Steamboat Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Steamboat Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 30% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Steamboat Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Steamboat Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Steamboat 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 2021), 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.