Cass Lake
About Cass Lake
Cass Lake is a 15,958-acre lake near Cass Lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 45.4 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 62 Beltrami County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Norway Beach Swimming Area on or beside the lake. Cass Lake Campground Loop and Norway Beach Campground Loop are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cass Lake
- 15,958 acres, up to 120 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 13.9 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Norway Beach Swimming Area)
- Camping close to the water at Cass Lake Campground Loop and Norway Beach Campground Loop
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 15,958 acres
- Max depth
- 120 ft
- Shoreline
- 45.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,119 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Norway Beach Swimming Area
- Camping: Cass Lake Campground Loop, Norway Beach Campground Loop, and Chippewa Campground
- Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- April 6, 2021
- Latest
- May 12, 2008
- Most recent
- April 27, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Cass Lake Campground Loop, Norway Beach Campground Loop, Chippewa Campground, and Wanaki Campground Loop are mapped on or near Cass Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cass Lake
Compare Cass Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Cass Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Cass Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Cass Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Cass Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Cass Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Cass Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Windigo Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake195 acres
0.5 miles away
Lost Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia130 acres
2.3 miles away
Buck Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington360 acres
2.7 miles away
Silver Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia132 acres
4.1 miles away
Andrusia Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake1,596 acres
4.8 miles away
Pike Bay
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake4,756 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cass Lake?
Cass Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 15,958 acres and reaches 120 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cass Lake?
Cass Lake covers 15,958 acres with about 45.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 120 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cass Lake?
Yes. Cass Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cass Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Norway Beach Swimming Area). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Cass Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cass Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cass Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Cass Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2021 and the latest is May 12, 2008.
Can you camp at Cass Lake?
Yes. Cass Lake Campground Loop, Norway Beach Campground Loop, and Chippewa Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Cass Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cass Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.