Washburn Lake
About Washburn Lake
Washburn Lake is a 1,590-acre lake near Outing in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 111 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 19.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Voyager Bay Scout Camp and Lower Road Campsite are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 34 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Washburn Lake
- 1,590 acres, up to 111 feet deep, near Outing
- 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 13.2 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Voyager Bay Scout Camp and Lower Road Campsite
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 1,590 acres
- Max depth
- 111 ft
- Shoreline
- 19.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 748 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Voyager Bay Scout Camp, Lower Road Campsite, and Upper Road Campsite
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 19
- Years of record
- 34
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 6, 2008
- Most recent
- March 16, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Voyager Bay Scout Camp, Lower Road Campsite, Upper Road Campsite, and New Campsite are mapped on or near Washburn Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Washburn Lake
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Nearby Lakes
George Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing612 acres
2 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing195 acres
3 miles away
Roosevelt Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing1,511 acres
3.8 miles away
Lawrence Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Outing225 acres
4.5 miles away
Leavitt Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Mae122 acres
4.6 miles away
Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Longville358 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Outing. It covers 1,590 acres and reaches 111 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake covers 1,590 acres with about 19.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 111 feet.
What fish can you catch at Washburn 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 Washburn Lake?
Yes. Washburn Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Washburn Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Washburn Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Washburn Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Washburn Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 34 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 6, 2008.
Can you camp at Washburn Lake?
Yes. Voyager Bay Scout Camp, Lower Road Campsite, and Upper Road Campsite are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Washburn Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Washburn Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.