Winnibigoshish Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Bena. DNR lake ID 11014700.
Winnibigoshish Lake is a 56,472-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Bena. Its deepest point reaches 69.8 ft, and about 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for faucet snail, starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11014700 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Bena |
| Surface area | 56,472 acres |
| Maximum depth | 69.8 ft |
| Mean depth | 15.1 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 33% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.8 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | faucet snail, starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 6 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.8 ft.
Fishing on Winnibigoshish Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 4.62 | 3.3 to 14.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.88 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.28 | 9.9 to 57.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.03 | 0.0 to 0.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.31 | 4.9 to 17.6 |
| Burbot | gill | 0.09 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2022), Northern pike 32.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 45.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Walleye 18 to 23 in must be released (one over 23 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: faucet snail (listed 2009), starry stonewort (listed 2016), zebra mussel (listed 2013).
Public boat access
- Lake Winnibigoshish, Plughat Point: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 30 trailer spaces. 11 miles northwest of the city of Deer River, Great River Road and Plughat Point Road, on the Mississippi River. Directions
- Lake Winnibigoshish (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 11 trailer spaces. 9 miles northeast of the city of Cass Lake, on County Road 10, then 7 miles northeast of Forst Service Road 2171, on the Mississippi River. Directions
- Lake Winnibigoshish, Richards Townsite: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 2.5 mi W of Bena on US Hwy 2, then 1.5 mi N on access road to SW shore. Directions
- Lake Winnibigoshish, Birches: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 24 trailer spaces. 1.5 mi E Bena on US Hwy 2, then 5.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 9, then NW on Forest Rd to SE shore Directions
- Third River Flowage: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 29 trailer spaces. From Hwy 46 south of Squaw Lake take Old County 35 west for 11.5 miles to the access. Directions
- Lake Winnibigoshish, Tamarack Point: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 20 trailer spaces. 1.2 mi E of Bena on US Hwy 2, then 5.4 mi N on Cnty Rd 9, then 3.2 mi N on National Forest Rd 2163. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Pigeon Dam Lake 5.3 mi, Itasca County
- Sugar Lake 5.7 mi, Itasca County
- Rabbits Lake 6.1 mi, Itasca County
- Cut Foot Sioux Lake 6.3 mi, Itasca County
- Raven Lake 6.8 mi, Itasca County
- Dry Creek Lake 7.1 mi, Itasca County
- School House Lake 7.1 mi, Itasca County
- Sunken Lake 7.4 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Winnibigoshish Lake
How deep is Winnibigoshish Lake?
Winnibigoshish Lake reaches a maximum depth of 69.8 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Winnibigoshish Lake?
Winnibigoshish Lake covers about 56,472 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Winnibigoshish Lake?
Summer water clarity on Winnibigoshish Lake averages 11.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Winnibigoshish Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Winnibigoshish Lake for faucet snail, starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Winnibigoshish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Winnibigoshish Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Winnibigoshish Lake?
Winnibigoshish Lake has 6 public water access sites on DNR record: Lake Winnibigoshish, Plughat Point; Lake Winnibigoshish (W); Lake Winnibigoshish, Richards Townsite; Lake Winnibigoshish, Birches; Third River Flowage; Lake Winnibigoshish, Tamarack Point.
How is the walleye population on Winnibigoshish Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2016 to 2022, walleye numbers on Winnibigoshish 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 Winnibigoshish Lake?
Homes on Winnibigoshish 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 Winnibigoshish Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Winnibigoshish Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 33% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Winnibigoshish Lake?
Yes. Walleye 18 to 23 in must be released (one over 23 allowed).
Ask us about Winnibigoshish 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 2022), 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.