---
type: lake
name: "Sylvan Lake"
county: "Cass"
nearest_town: "Pillager"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 894
max_depth_ft: 57
latitude: 46.36455
longitude: -94.40059
lake_score: 66
dnr_lake_id: "11030400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sylvan-lake
---

# Sylvan Lake

Lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Pillager

- **Surface Area**: 894 acres
- **Max Depth**: 57 ft
- **Shoreline**: 11.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 19 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 66/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 17
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Black and White Crappie, Sunfish**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Dade Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/dade-lake) - 1.8 miles, 99 acres
- [Green Bass Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/green-bass-lake) - 3.2 miles, 44 acres
- [Pillager Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/pillager-lake) - 3.7 miles, 205 acres
- [Sylvan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/morrison-county/sylvan-lake) - 3.8 miles, 321 acres
- [Whipple Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/crow-wing-county/whipple-lake) - 4.2 miles, 301 acres
- [Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/long-lake-casino) - 4.2 miles, 113 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.36455,-94.40059)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=11030400)
- [All lakes in Cass County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/sylvan-lake)*