Stony Lake
About Stony Lake
Stony Lake is a 563-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 22.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 53 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Stony Lake
- 563 acres, up to 50 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 22.8 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
- 563 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 22.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 179 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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
- 53
- Earliest
- April 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 9, 2008
- Most recent
- April 3, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Stony Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack194 acres
1.7 miles away
Little Webb Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack226 acres
2.7 miles away
Diamond Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker77 acres
2.8 miles away
Birch Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack1,267 acres
3.5 miles away
Poquet Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack145 acres
3.6 miles away
Webb Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack720 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stony Lake?
Stony Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Hackensack. It covers 563 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Stony Lake?
Stony Lake covers 563 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Stony Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Stony Lake?
Yes. Stony Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Stony Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Stony 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 Stony Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Stony Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Stony Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 53 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2024 and the latest is May 9, 2008.