---
type: lake
name: "Horseshoe Lake"
county: "Cass"
nearest_town: "Backus"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 260
max_depth_ft: 51
latitude: 46.85107
longitude: -94.47391
lake_score: 63
dnr_lake_id: "11035800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/horseshoe-lake
---

# Horseshoe Lake

Lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus

- **Surface Area**: 260 acres
- **Max Depth**: 51 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 16 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 63/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 12
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Rainy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/rainy-lake) - 1.2 miles, 129 acres
- [Ox Yoke Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/ox-yoke-lake) - 1.4 miles, 185 acres
- [Sanborn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sanborn-lake) - 1.7 miles, 220 acres
- [Lind Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/lind-lake) - 2.1 miles, 440 acres
- [Five Point Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/five-point-lake) - 2.3 miles, 251 acres
- [Beuber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/beuber-lake) - 2.4 miles, 132 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.85107,-94.47391)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=11035800)
- [All lakes in Cass County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/horseshoe-lake)*