Sylvan Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11024600.
Sylvan Lake is a 112.8-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 26 ft, and about 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Sylvan 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 | 11024600 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 112.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 26 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 56% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.8 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 13.8 ft.
Fishing on Sylvan Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1994 (32 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 | 1.0 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.25 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 6.5 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.11 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.75 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 83.44 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.75 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (1994), Northern pike 35.0 in (1994), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (1994).
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
- Ada Lake 1.7 mi, Cass County
- Deep Portage Lake 1.9 mi, Cass County
- Hattie Lake 2.1 mi, Cass County
- One Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Big Portage Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Little Portage Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Two Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Ponto Lake 2.6 mi, Cass County
Questions about Sylvan Lake
How deep is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake reaches a maximum depth of 26 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake covers about 112.8 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sylvan Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sylvan Lake averages 13.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Sylvan Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake?
Homes on Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sylvan Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 56% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sylvan Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sylvan Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sylvan 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 1994), 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.