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Minnesota›Best lakes›Northern Pike›Cass County

MN · ranked by public data

Best Northern Pike Lakes by DNR Survey System and Lake-Scale Opportunity in Cass County, Minnesota

33 Cass County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for northern pike; 33 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 606 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    197.7system score
    364 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Hay Lake

    limited
    46.87, -94.28364 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    97.7 within-system score · 1,756.7 lake-scale opportunity index · 4.83 fish/net set · 2014 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 97.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,756.7 (4.83 fish/net set × 364 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 4.83 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2014
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 277.7system score
    358 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Island Lake

    limited
    46.93, -94.04358 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    77.7 within-system score · 1,193.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.33 fish/net set · 2022 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 77.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,193.1 (3.33 fish/net set × 358 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2022
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. 374.1system score
    225 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Lawrence Lake

    limited
    46.82, -93.93225 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    74.1 within-system score · 861.4 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.83 fish/net set · 2022 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 74.1/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 861.4 (3.83 fish/net set × 225 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.83 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2022
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 430.4system score
    737 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Baby Lake

    available
    46.96, -94.36737 acres | 69 ft maxVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    30.4 within-system score · 553 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.75 fish/net set · 1990 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 30.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 553 (0.75 fish/net set × 737 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.75 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1990
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. 515.7system score
    142 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Jack Lake

    limited
    47.06, -94.45142 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    15.7 within-system score · 237.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.67 fish/net set · 1980 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 15.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 237.1 (1.67 fish/net set × 142 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1980
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 610.0system score
    260 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Horseshoe Lake

    limited
    46.85, -94.47260 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    10.0 within-system score · 174.4 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.67 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 10.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 174.4 (0.67 fish/net set × 260 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    196.0system score
    364 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Hay Lake

    limited
    46.87, -94.28364 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    96.0 within-system score · 2,302.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 6.33 fish/net set · 2019 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 96.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,302.2 (6.33 fish/net set × 364 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 6.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2019
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 290.3system score
    358 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Island Lake

    limited
    46.93, -94.04358 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    90.3 within-system score · 2,329 lake-scale opportunity index · 6.5 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 90.3/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,329 (6.5 fish/net set × 358 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 6.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1979
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. 389.0system score
    373 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Grave Lake

    limited
    47.12, -93.95373 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    89.0 within-system score · 2,345 lake-scale opportunity index · 6.29 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 89.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,345 (6.29 fish/net set × 373 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 6.29 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1979
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 479.1system score
    737 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Baby Lake

    available
    46.96, -94.36737 acres | 69 ft maxVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    79.1 within-system score · 2,521.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.42 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 79.1/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,521.6 (3.42 fish/net set × 737 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.42 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 2.2-8.7 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearFishing reportDNR statusNorthern Pike stocking
5Lawrence LakeCass22516.9index 375.61.67 fish/net set1968No · 0% signalNo record—
6Jack LakeCass1424.6index 188.81.33 fish/net set1994No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Boy LakeCass3,308100.0index 44,555.413.47 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Inguadona LakeCass1,13380.1index 12,83611.33 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
3Blackwater LakeCass77174.0index 7,583.49.83 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
4Girl LakeCass42866.3index 5,04411.78 fish/net set1997No · 0% signalNo record—
5Little Thunder LakeCass2586.1index 85.20.33 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hay LakeCass36486.3index 3,273.39 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Horseshoe LakeCass26085.1index 2,928.611.25 fish/net set1987No · 0% signalNo record—
3Grave LakeCass37351.4index 2,318.96.22 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
4Jack LakeCass14215.5index 946.96.67 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
5Bass LakeCass19515.2index 1,071.15.5 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Boy LakeCass3,30898.5index 33,73910.2 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
2Inguadona LakeCass1,13378.7index 11,612.410.25 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
3Girl LakeCass42849.2index 4,234.79.89 fish/net set2007No · 0% signalNo record—
4Hand LakeCass2890.0index 2,140.27.4 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 10 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Webb LakeCass22694.5index 3,994.117.67 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bowen LakeCass18284.2index 2,672.414.67 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
3Child LakeCass28571.9index 2,471.38.67 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
4Little Wolf LakeCass5250.0index 262.30.5 fish/net set1991No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 10 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Child LakeCass28584.3index 1,353.94.75 fish/net set1978No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bowen LakeCass18264.5index 1,032.95.67 fish/net set1967No · 0% signalNo record—
3Little Wolf LakeCass52510.0index 755.41.44 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 4 6 to 11 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Portage LakeCass90286.5index 6,208.16.88 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
2Little Sand LakeCass41378.2index 3,8569.33 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
3Lake GeorgeCass6120.0index 1,837.43 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 10 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Webb LakeCass22696.0index 4,181.718.5 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bowen LakeCass18245.8index 2,308.112.67 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
3Little Wolf LakeCass5250.0index 1,867.53.56 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 4 6 to 11 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake GeorgeCass61276.5index 9,49315.5 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Big Portage LakeCass90255.0index 13,192.214.62 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
3Little Sand LakeCass4137.1index 6,108.414.78 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake AdaCass96355.0index 3,660.63.8 fish/net set1975No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake ThirteenCass55545.0index 2,495.34.5 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Gull LakeCass10,01065.0index 30,029.93 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Little Boy LakeCass1,45235.0index 14,269.99.83 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake AdaCass963100.0index 10,673.511.08 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake ThirteenCass5550.0index 5,728.210.33 fish/net set1979No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 35 standard gill nets normal 3 6 to 11 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Sand LakeCass73190.0index 9,010.312.33 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
2Crystal LakeCass19010.0index 2,092.211 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Girl LakeCass42890.0index 7,848.518.33 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hand LakeCass28910.0index 2,842.99.83 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake ThirteenCass555100.0index 11,461.920.67 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake AdaCass9630.0index 4,739.54.92 fish/net set1995No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Boy LakeCass1,452——7.25 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 4 8 to 12 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Beuber LakeCass132——11.67 fish/net set1987No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 35 standard gill nets normal 3 6 to 11 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Crystal LakeCass190——0.57 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 4 6 to 11 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Sand LakeCass413——3.29 fish/net set1983No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 8 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Island LakeCass184——10.83 fish/net set2002No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Boy LakeCass1,452——6.33 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 28 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Leavitt LakeCass122——1.33 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 4 8 to 12 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Beuber LakeCass132——18.2 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 8 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Island LakeCass184——9 fish/net set2007No · 0% signalNo record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Dade LakeCass99————No · 0% signalNo record—
—Lake WinnibigoshishCass56,471————No · 0% signalNo record—
—Leech LakeCass103,444————No · 0% signalNo record—

Methodology

How this list is built

County ranks use the same statewide exact-family contract; systems with at least two eligible county peers restart at #1. The score is 55% survey rate × acreage, 35% survey rate, and 10% recency. Catch-per-effort × acreage is only an opportunity index, never a literal fish count. Documented acreage plus verified public or shore access are eligibility gates. Unsupported methods stay documented but unranked. See the complete definitions on the statewide northern pike ranking.

FAQ

Cass County northern pike fishing FAQ

Which northern pike lakes receive a numeric county rank?

27 lakes receive at least one peer-backed, exact-lake numeric rank. Catch-per-effort systems separate species, phase, gear, unit, and sampled population; standardized adult-density estimates form their own system, so systems with at least two eligible county peers can each have a #1 in Cass County.

How many Cass County lakes have northern pike?

33 Cass County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence. Numeric rank still requires an exact comparable family plus the acreage and access gates.

Best northern pike lakes statewideBest musky in Cass CountyBest walleye in Cass CountyBest smallmouth bass in Cass CountyBest panfish in Cass CountyBest largemouth bass in Cass CountyAll Cass County lakes

Source data: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder fisheries surveys, lake classes, morphology, and public-access records. Rankings are LakeList's computed opinion from public agency data, not a DNR endorsement. Conditions and regulations change — verify access and rules before you go.