Variety Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. DNR lake ID 11046300.
Variety Lake is a 159.7-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Variety 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 | 11046300 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Hackensack |
| Surface area | 159.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Mean depth | 18.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 39% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.0 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 11.0 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Variety Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Variety Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1987 (39 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 | 20.4 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.29 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.6 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 4.29 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 5.57 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.6 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 52.71 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.57 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.71 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.57 | n/a |
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
- Jackpine Lake 1.0 mi, Cass County
- Tripp Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- North Haynes Lake 1.3 mi, Cass County
- Crystal Lake 3.5 mi, Cass County
- Lee Lake 3.7 mi, Cass County
- Long Lake 3.9 mi, Cass County
- Birch Lake 4.2 mi, Cass County
- Sleepy Island Lake 4.5 mi, Cass County
Questions about Variety Lake
How deep is Variety Lake?
Variety Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Variety Lake?
Variety Lake covers about 159.7 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Variety Lake?
Summer water clarity on Variety Lake averages 11.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Variety Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Variety 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 Variety Lake?
Homes on Variety 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 Variety Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Variety Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 39% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Variety Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Variety Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Variety 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 1987), 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.