Howard Lake
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is a 386-acre lake near Akeley in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2001.
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 Howard Lake
- 386 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Akeley
- 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
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 386 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 7 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 99 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.
Best For
- 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
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2001
- 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 Howard Lake
Compare Howard Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Little Bass Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley114 acres
1.2 miles away
Shingobee Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Akeley172 acres
1.8 miles away
Bass Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker278 acres
2.1 miles away
Big Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Akeley133 acres
3.5 miles away
Eleventh Crow Wing Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Akeley751 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Crystal
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley190 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. It covers 386 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake covers 386 acres with about 7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Howard Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Howard Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Howard Lake.
Can you swim at Howard Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Howard 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 Howard Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Howard Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.