Norway Lake
About Norway Lake
Norway Lake is a 515-acre lake near Pine River in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Norway Lake
- 515 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Pine River
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 515 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 515 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
- Northern Pike fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2022
- Most recent
- April 19, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Norway Lake
Compare Norway Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Norway Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Hattie Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus588 acres
5.4 miles away
Lake Lizzie
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pontoria414 acres
5.6 miles away
Brockway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus180 acres
5.6 miles away
Jail Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine River183 acres
6.2 miles away
Bowen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus182 acres
6.6 miles away
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
6.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Norway Lake?
Norway Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pine River. It covers 515 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Norway Lake?
Norway Lake covers 515 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Norway Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Norway Lake?
Yes. Norway Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Norway Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Norway 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 Norway Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Norway Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Norway Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2022.