Pleasant Lake
About Pleasant Lake
Pleasant Lake is a 1,099-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 72 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pleasant Lake
- 1,099 acres, up to 72 feet deep, near Hackensack
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 14.3 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
- 1,099 acres
- Max depth
- 72 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 410 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 22
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- April 4, 2016
- Latest
- May 8, 2022
- Most recent
- April 22, 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 Pleasant Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Poquet Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack145 acres
1.5 miles away
Five Point Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack251 acres
2.7 miles away
Ox Yoke Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus185 acres
3.1 miles away
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack194 acres
3.2 miles away
Beuber Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus132 acres
3.6 miles away
Stony Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack563 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pleasant Lake?
Pleasant Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. It covers 1,099 acres and reaches 72 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pleasant Lake?
Pleasant Lake covers 1,099 acres with about 10.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 72 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pleasant Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pleasant Lake?
Yes. Pleasant Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pleasant Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pleasant 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 Pleasant Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pleasant Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pleasant Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 4, 2016 and the latest is May 8, 2022.