Washburn Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Outing. DNR lake ID 11005900.
Washburn Lake is a 1,590-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Outing. Its deepest point reaches 111 ft, and about 47% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Washburn 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 | 11005900 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Outing |
| Surface area | 1,590 acres |
| Maximum depth | 111 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 47% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.2 ft, phosphorus 13.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Washburn Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Washburn 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 | 2.87 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.4 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.87 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.53 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.13 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.07 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.93 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.73 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.47 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 11.53 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.13 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.4 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.07 | 0.1 to 0.6 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.67 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.27 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.73 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.0 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.2 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.07 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 36.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Walleye 19.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, 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: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2009).
Public boat access
- Washburn Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. 3 mi N of Outing on Hwy 6, then 1.5 mi W on Co Rd 48, then 0.5 mi N on Campground Entry Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Donut Lake 1.1 mi, Cass County
- Margaret Lake 1.3 mi, Cass County
- Marion Lake 1.5 mi, Cass County
- Mule Lake 1.7 mi, Cass County
- Snake Lake 1.7 mi, Cass County
- George Lake 2.0 mi, Cass County
- Andrus Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Little Andrus Lake 2.9 mi, Cass County
Questions about Washburn Lake
How deep is Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake reaches a maximum depth of 111 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 47% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake covers about 1,590 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Washburn Lake?
Summer water clarity on Washburn Lake averages 14.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Washburn Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Washburn Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in Washburn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Washburn Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Washburn Lake.
How is the walleye population on Washburn Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Washburn 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 Washburn Lake?
Homes on Washburn 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 Washburn Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Washburn Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 47% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Washburn Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Washburn Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Washburn 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.