Six Mile Lake
About Six Mile Lake
Six Mile Lake is a 1,323-acre lake near Bena in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 68 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 US Forest Service. Six Mile Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Six Mile Lake
- 1,323 acres, up to 68 feet deep, near Bena
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 8.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Six Mile Lake Campground
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and 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
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,323 acres
- Max depth
- 68 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 606 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)
- Camping: Six Mile Lake Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 9
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Six Mile Lake Campground is mapped on or near Six Mile Lake. 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 Six Mile Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Portage Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena1,539 acres
8.1 miles away
Little Winnibigoshish Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,002 acres
9.2 miles away
Lake Winnibigoshish
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena56,471 acres
9.8 miles away
Ball Club Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Ball Club4,335 acres
10 miles away
Little Ball Club Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River185 acres
10.4 miles away
Sugar Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cass Lake1,509 acres
12.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Six Mile Lake?
Six Mile Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Bena. It covers 1,323 acres and reaches 68 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Six Mile Lake?
Six Mile Lake covers 1,323 acres with about 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 68 feet.
What fish can you catch at Six Mile Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Six Mile Lake?
Yes. Six Mile Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Six Mile Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Six Mile 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 Six Mile Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Six Mile Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Six Mile Lake?
Yes. Six Mile Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Six Mile Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Six Mile Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.