Welch Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. DNR lake ID 11049300.
Welch Lake is a 195-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. Its deepest point reaches 59 ft, and about 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.6 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11049300 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Cass Lake |
| Surface area | 195 acres |
| Maximum depth | 59 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 40% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.6 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 12.6 ft, phosphorus 14.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Welch Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Welch Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 2.33 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 14.83 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.33 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.78 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.83 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.78 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.33 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.17 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.89 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 22.0 in (2020), Walleye 20.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, 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
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
- Welsh Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. 8.5 miles southeast of city of Cass Lake, on Squaw Point Road, on northeast shore of Welsh Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Crooked Lake 1.0 mi, Cass County
- Portage Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Thirteen Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
- Little Twin Lake 3.0 mi, Cass County
- Twin Lake 4.1 mi, Cass County
- Moss Lake 4.2 mi, Cass County
- Steamboat Lake 4.7 mi, Cass County
- Swamp Lake 4.9 mi, Cass County
Questions about Welch Lake
How deep is Welch Lake?
Welch Lake reaches a maximum depth of 59 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Welch Lake?
Welch Lake covers about 195 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Welch Lake?
Summer water clarity on Welch Lake averages 12.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Welch Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Welch 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.
What fish are in Welch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Welch Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Welch Lake?
Welch Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Welsh Lake.
How is the walleye population on Welch Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2020, walleye numbers on Welch Lake ran mostly within 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 Welch Lake?
Homes on Welch 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 Welch Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Welch Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 40% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Welch Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Welch Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Welch 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 2020), 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.