May Lake
About May Lake
May Lake is a 143-acre lake near Walker in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 59 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and city.
Plan Your Visit to May Lake
- 143 acres, up to 59 feet deep, near Walker
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15.3 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 143 acres
- Max depth
- 59 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 74 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 13
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to May Lake
Compare May Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how May Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how May Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker279 acres
1.2 miles away
Benedict Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Benedict464 acres
5.7 miles away
Portage Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack277 acres
5.9 miles away
Big Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Akeley133 acres
6.2 miles away
Bass Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker278 acres
6.3 miles away
Howard Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley386 acres
7.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is May Lake?
May Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Walker. It covers 143 acres and reaches 59 feet deep.
How big and how deep is May Lake?
May Lake covers 143 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 59 feet.
What fish can you catch at May 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 May Lake?
Yes. May Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at May Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at May 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 May Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for May Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.