Pike Bay
About Pike Bay
Pike Bay is a 4,756-acre lake near Cass Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 95 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 25 feet, and has roughly 11 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 5 public boat launches managed by the US Forest Service. South Pike Bay Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pike Bay
- 4,756 acres, up to 95 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- 5 public boat launches — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at South Pike Bay Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,756 acres
- Max depth
- 95 ft
- Average depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 11 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,238 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
- 5 public boat launches
- Camping: South Pike Bay Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 18, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2008
- Most recent
- April 25, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
South Pike Bay Campground is mapped on or near Pike Bay. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pike Bay
Compare Pike Bay against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Pike Bay ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Twin Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake169 acres
2.7 miles away
Little Twin Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson112 acres
3.7 miles away
Thirteen Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake555 acres
4.3 miles away
Windigo Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake195 acres
4.5 miles away
Cass Lake
92 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake15,958 acres
4.9 miles away
Portage Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake361 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pike Bay?
Pike Bay is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 4,756 acres and reaches 95 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pike Bay?
Pike Bay covers 4,756 acres with about 11 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 95 feet and its average depth is about 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pike Bay?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pike Bay?
Yes. Pike Bay has 5 public boat launches, managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pike Bay?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pike Bay. 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 Pike Bay stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pike Bay; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pike Bay?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Pike Bay?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 18, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2008.
Can you camp at Pike Bay?
Yes. South Pike Bay Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Pike Bay have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pike Bay as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.