Thirteen Lake
About Thirteen Lake
Thirteen Lake is a 555-acre lake near Cass Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 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. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Thirteen Lake
- 555 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 555 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 329 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
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
- 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 Thirteen Lake
Compare Thirteen Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Thirteen Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Thirteen Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Thirteen Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Thirteen Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Twin Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson112 acres
0.7 miles away
Twin Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake169 acres
1.7 miles away
Welch Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake196 acres
2.5 miles away
Portage Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake361 acres
2.5 miles away
Crooked Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake582 acres
3.5 miles away
Pike Bay
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake4,756 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thirteen Lake?
Thirteen Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 555 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Thirteen Lake?
Thirteen Lake covers 555 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Thirteen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Thirteen Lake?
Yes. Thirteen Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Thirteen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Thirteen 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 Thirteen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Thirteen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Thirteen Lake?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Daily limit five.