Pine Mountain Lake
About Pine Mountain Lake
Pine Mountain Lake is a 1,617-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. 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 16, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pine Mountain Lake
- 1,617 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.4 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,617 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 737 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
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 16
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 18, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pine Mountain Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bowen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus182 acres
2.2 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus142 acres
2.6 miles away
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
2.7 miles away
Beuber Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus132 acres
3.3 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus260 acres
3.4 miles away
Sanborn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus220 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 1,617 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake covers 1,617 acres with about 9.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pine Mountain Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pine Mountain Lake?
Yes. Pine Mountain Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pine Mountain Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pine Mountain Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pine Mountain Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does Pine Mountain Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pine Mountain Lake 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.