Child Lake
About Child Lake
Child Lake is a 285-acre lake near Longville in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Child Lake
- 285 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Longville
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 285 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 158 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 2, 2017
- Latest
- April 25, 2019
- Most recent
- April 25, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Child Lake
Compare Child Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Child Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Child Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
McKeown Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville168 acres
1.2 miles away
Baby Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack737 acres
1.6 miles away
Man Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack491 acres
1.8 miles away
Widow Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville198 acres
1.9 miles away
Kid Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack168 acres
2.1 miles away
Trillium Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack155 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Child Lake?
Child Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Longville. It covers 285 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Child Lake?
Child Lake covers 285 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Child Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Child Lake?
Yes. Child Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Child Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Child 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 Child Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Child Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Child Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Child Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2017 and the latest is April 25, 2019.