Welch Lake
About Welch Lake
Welch Lake is a 196-acre lake near Cass Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 59 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Welch Lake
- 196 acres, up to 59 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 8.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 196 acres
- Max depth
- 59 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- 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 Welch Lake
Compare Welch Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Crooked Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake582 acres
1 miles away
Portage Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake361 acres
2.4 miles away
Thirteen Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake555 acres
2.5 miles away
Little Twin Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson112 acres
3 miles away
Twin Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake169 acres
4.1 miles away
Steamboat Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake1,756 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Welch Lake?
Welch Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 196 acres and reaches 59 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Welch Lake?
Welch Lake covers 196 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 59 feet.
What fish can you catch at Welch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Welch Lake?
Yes. Welch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Welch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Welch 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 Welch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Welch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Welch Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.