Ox Yoke Lake
About Ox Yoke Lake
Ox Yoke Lake is an 185-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ox Yoke Lake
- 185 acres, up to 42 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 13.8 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
- 185 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 88 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 19, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- April 20, 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 Ox Yoke Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Five Point Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack251 acres
0.9 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus260 acres
1.4 miles away
Rainy Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus129 acres
1.8 miles away
Big Portage Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus902 acres
2.3 miles away
Beuber Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus132 acres
2.5 miles away
Sanborn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus220 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ox Yoke Lake?
Ox Yoke Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 185 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ox Yoke Lake?
Ox Yoke Lake covers 185 acres with about 2.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ox Yoke 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 Ox Yoke Lake?
Yes. Ox Yoke Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ox Yoke Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ox Yoke 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 Ox Yoke Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ox Yoke Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ox Yoke Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Ox Yoke Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2022.