Steamboat Lake
About Steamboat Lake
Steamboat Lake is a 1,756-acre lake near Cass Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 93 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.3 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 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 26, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Steamboat Lake
- 1,756 acres, up to 93 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 9.3 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,756 acres
- Max depth
- 93 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 532 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 26
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 5, 2021
- Latest
- May 8, 2022
- Most recent
- April 24, 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 Steamboat Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Portage Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake361 acres
3 miles away
Swamp Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson600 acres
3.5 miles away
Crooked Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake582 acres
4.6 miles away
Hart Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Guthrie226 acres
4.7 miles away
Welch Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake196 acres
4.8 miles away
Garfield Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte972 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Steamboat Lake?
Steamboat Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 1,756 acres and reaches 93 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Steamboat Lake?
Steamboat Lake covers 1,756 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 93 feet.
What fish can you catch at Steamboat Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Steamboat Lake?
Yes. Steamboat Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Steamboat Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Steamboat 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 Steamboat Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Steamboat Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Steamboat Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 26, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 5, 2021 and the latest is May 8, 2022.
Does Steamboat Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Steamboat 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.