Willard Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. DNR lake ID 11056400.
Willard Lake is an 8.2-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document black crappie, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Willard 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Willard LakeWhat’s my Willard Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11056400 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Backus |
| Surface area | 8.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Fishing on Willard Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2008 (18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow perch | gill | 51.5 | 1.5 to 20.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 1.0 to 9.1 |
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Black crappie, Yellow perch, Rainbow trout.
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
- Horseshoe Lake 0.8 mi, Cass County
- Ox Yoke Lake 0.9 mi, Cass County
- Rainy Lake 0.9 mi, Cass County
- Fawn Lake 1.5 mi, Cass County
- Five Point Lake 1.6 mi, Cass County
- Sanborn Lake 1.8 mi, Cass County
- Big Portage Lake 1.9 mi, Cass County
- Johnson Lake 2.0 mi, Cass County
Questions about Willard Lake
How deep is Willard Lake?
Willard Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Willard Lake?
Willard Lake covers about 8.2 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
Does Willard Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Willard 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 Willard Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document black crappie, yellow perch, rainbow trout in Willard Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2008.
Are there lake homes for sale on Willard Lake?
Homes on Willard 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 Willard Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Willard Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Willard Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Willard Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Willard 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 2008), 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.