Birch Lake
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 1,267-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 15.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Birch Lake
- 1,267 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Hackensack
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.9 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,267 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 755 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 8, 2017
- Latest
- May 2, 2008
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Birch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Poquet Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack145 acres
2.5 miles away
Ten Mile Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack5,080 acres
2.6 miles away
Jackpine Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
3.2 miles away
Stony Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack563 acres
3.5 miles away
Pleasant Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack1,099 acres
3.8 miles away
Variety Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. It covers 1,267 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers 1,267 acres with about 15.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Birch Lake?
Yes. Birch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Birch Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Birch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Birch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Birch Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 8, 2017 and the latest is May 2, 2008.