Sugar Lake
About Sugar Lake
Sugar Lake is a 1,509-acre lake near Cass Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.1 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1993.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Sugar Lake
- 1,509 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Cass Lake
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,509 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.1 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,268 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 1993
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 18-23" must be immediately released. One over 23" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sugar Lake
Compare Sugar Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Winnibigoshish
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena56,471 acres
5.7 miles away
Portage Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena1,539 acres
7.5 miles away
Upper Sucker Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake113 acres
8.1 miles away
Middle Sucker Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake286 acres
8.9 miles away
Moose Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington601 acres
9.7 miles away
Lower Sucker Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake592 acres
10 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sugar Lake?
Sugar Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cass Lake. It covers 1,509 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sugar Lake?
Sugar Lake covers 1,509 acres with about 6.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sugar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sugar Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Sugar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sugar 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 Sugar Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Sugar Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sugar Lake?
Yes. All from 18-23" must be immediately released. One over 23" allowed in possession.
Does Sugar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sugar Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.