Sylvan Lake
About Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is an 894-acre lake near Pillager in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 57 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (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.
Plan Your Visit to Sylvan Lake
- 894 acres, up to 57 feet deep, near Pillager
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 19 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 894 acres
- Max depth
- 57 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 19 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 367 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sylvan Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dade Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake99 acres
1.8 miles away
Green Bass Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake44 acres
3.2 miles away
Pillager Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pillager205 acres
3.7 miles away
Sylvan Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Sylvan321 acres
3.8 miles away
Whipple Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter301 acres
4.2 miles away
Long Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Casino113 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager. It covers 894 acres and reaches 57 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake covers 894 acres with about 11.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 57 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sylvan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sylvan Lake?
Yes. Sylvan Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sylvan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sylvan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sylvan Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Sylvan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sylvan 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.