Hardy Lake
About Hardy Lake
Hardy Lake is a 105-acre lake near Brainerd in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Hardy Lake
- 105 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Brainerd
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 16 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 105 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 44 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hardy Lake
Compare Hardy Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Red Sand Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hardy Lake?
Hardy Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. It covers 105 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hardy Lake?
Hardy Lake covers 105 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hardy 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 Hardy Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Hardy Lake.
Can you swim at Hardy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hardy 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 Hardy Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hardy Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.