Pillager Lake
About Pillager Lake
Pillager Lake is a 205-acre lake near Pillager in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the township.
Plan Your Visit to Pillager Lake
- 205 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Pillager
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 16 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 205 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 72 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Pillager Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Green Bass Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake44 acres
3.3 miles away
Long Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Casino113 acres
3.4 miles away
Sylvan Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pillager894 acres
3.7 miles away
Rock Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Casino261 acres
4 miles away
Placid Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Pillager537 acres
4.4 miles away
Dade Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake99 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pillager Lake?
Pillager Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. It covers 205 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pillager Lake?
Pillager Lake covers 205 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pillager Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Pillager Lake?
Yes. Pillager Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pillager Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pillager 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 Pillager Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pillager Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.