Sylvan Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. DNR lake ID 11030400.
Sylvan Lake is an 894-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. Its deepest point reaches 57 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 20.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11030400 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Pillager |
| Surface area | 894 acres |
| Maximum depth | 57 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 20.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 7.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 20.0 ft, phosphorus 7.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sylvan Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Sylvan 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 | 0.42 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.08 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.33 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.08 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.58 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.42 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.25 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.42 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.42 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.17 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Burbot | gill | 0.58 | 0.1 to 0.4 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Walleye 23.0 in (2021), Northern pike 37.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 14.0 in (2004).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth 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 2020).
Public boat access
- Sylvan Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 3 mi W of Baxter on Hwy 210, then 3 mi N on Co Rd 18, then 0.5 mi N on Sylvan Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Red Sand Lake 1.0 mi, Cass County
- Dade Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Green Bass Lake 3.2 mi, Cass County
- Dead Horse Lake 3.3 mi, Cass County
- Stephens Lake 3.4 mi, Cass County
- Pillager Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Beauty Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Sylvan Lake 3.8 mi, Morrison County
Questions about Sylvan Lake
How deep is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake reaches a maximum depth of 57 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake covers about 894 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sylvan Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sylvan Lake averages 20.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Sylvan Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Sylvan Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Sylvan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Sylvan Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sylvan Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sylvan Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Sylvan 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 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?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 20.0 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 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.