---
type: lake
name: "Sanborn Lake"
county: "Cass"
nearest_town: "Backus"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 220
max_depth_ft: 48
latitude: 46.83164
longitude: -94.45323
lake_score: 64
dnr_lake_id: "11036100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sanborn-lake
---

# Sanborn Lake

Lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus

- **Surface Area**: 220 acres
- **Max Depth**: 48 ft
- **Shoreline**: 2.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 15.9 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 64/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Sanborn Lake is a 220-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. 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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 12
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2022
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Rainy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/rainy-lake) - 0.9 miles, 129 acres
- [Lind Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/lind-lake) - 1.3 miles, 440 acres
- [Brockway Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/brockway-lake) - 1.4 miles, 180 acres
- [Horseshoe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/horseshoe-lake) - 1.7 miles, 260 acres
- [Big Portage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/big-portage-lake) - 2.3 miles, 902 acres
- [Bowen Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/bowen-lake) - 2.3 miles, 182 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.83164,-94.45323)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=11036100)
- [All lakes in Cass County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sanborn-lake)*