Horseshoe Lake
About Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a 260-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake
- 260 acres, up to 51 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 16 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 260 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 80 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Horseshoe Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rainy Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus129 acres
1.2 miles away
Ox Yoke Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus185 acres
1.4 miles away
Sanborn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus220 acres
1.7 miles away
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
2.1 miles away
Five Point Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack251 acres
2.3 miles away
Beuber Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus132 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 260 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers 260 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Horseshoe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Horseshoe Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.