Sylvan Lake
About Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is an 113-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 1994.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Sylvan Lake
- 113 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 113 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 1994
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sylvan Lake
Compare Sylvan Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Ada Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus963 acres
1.7 miles away
Deep Portage Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pontoria129 acres
1.9 miles away
Hattie Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus588 acres
2.1 miles away
Big Portage Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus902 acres
2.2 miles away
Ponto Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus388 acres
2.6 miles away
Hand Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus289 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 113 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake covers 113 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sylvan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. 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 (gravel or earth), managed by the county. 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.