Ada Lake
About Ada Lake
Ada Lake is a 963-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 32 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ada Lake
- 963 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 963 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 424 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 32
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- May 1, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ada Lake
Compare Ada Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Ada Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Ada Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Sylvan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus113 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Lizzie
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pontoria414 acres
2.1 miles away
Hattie Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus588 acres
2.3 miles away
Hand Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus289 acres
2.3 miles away
Jail Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine River183 acres
2.9 miles away
Ponto Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus388 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ada Lake?
Ada Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 963 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ada Lake?
Ada Lake covers 963 acres with about 7.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ada Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ada Lake?
Yes. Ada Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ada Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ada Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Ada Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ada Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Ada Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 32 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.