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Minnesota›Best lakes›Walleye›Cass County

MN · ranked by public data

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

32 Cass County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for walleye; 32 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 612 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    1100.0system score
    737 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Baby Lake

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

    100.0 within-system score · 2,765 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.75 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 100.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,765 (3.75 fish/net set × 737 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.75 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 263.4system score
    225 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Lawrence Lake

    limited
    46.82, -93.93225 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    63.4 within-system score · 749 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.33 fish/net set · 1968 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 63.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 749 (3.33 fish/net set × 225 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1968
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. 350.9system score
    373 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Grave Lake

    limited
    47.12, -93.95373 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    50.9 within-system score · 745.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 2 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 50.9/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 745.6 (2 fish/net set × 373 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 2 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 443.6system score
    364 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Hay Lake

    limited
    46.87, -94.28364 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    43.6 within-system score · 483.7 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.33 fish/net set · 2019 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 43.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 483.7 (1.33 fish/net set × 364 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.33 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. 510.7system score
    358 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Island Lake

    limited
    46.93, -94.04358 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    10.7 within-system score · 179.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.5 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 10.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 179.2 (0.5 fish/net set × 358 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.5 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 66.4system score
    142 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Jack Lake

    limited
    47.06, -94.45142 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    6.4 within-system score · 106.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.75 fish/net set · 1989 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 6.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 106.5 (0.75 fish/net set × 142 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.75 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1989
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 23, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    197.7system score
    260 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Horseshoe Lake

    limited
    46.85, -94.47260 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    97.7 within-system score · 1,127.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 4.33 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 97.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,127.2 (4.33 fish/net set × 260 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 4.33 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 262.9system score
    737 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Baby Lake

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

    62.9 within-system score · 1,194.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.62 fish/net set · 1990 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 62.9/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,194.5 (1.62 fish/net set × 737 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.62 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. 331.8system score
    225 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Lawrence Lake

    limited
    46.82, -93.93225 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    31.8 within-system score · 411.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.83 fish/net set · 2022 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 31.8/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 411.6 (1.83 fish/net set × 225 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.83 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 418.0system score
    358 acres

    Cass County, MN

    Island Lake

    limited
    46.93, -94.04358 acresVerified public accesswalleye, black crappie

    18.0 within-system score · 358.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 1 fish/net set · 2022 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 18.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 358.3 (1 fish/net set × 358 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1 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 1-5 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (walleye)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearDNR statusWalleye stocking
5Hay LakeCass3647.1index 301.90.83 fish/net set2014No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Horseshoe LakeCass26090.0index 4,165.116 fish/net set1987No record—
2Grave LakeCass37347.0index 704.61.89 fish/net set2014No record—
3Hay LakeCass36432.1index 181.90.5 fish/net set2024No record—
4Bass LakeCass19531.3index 161.60.83 fish/net set2023No record—
5Jack LakeCass1428.4index 24.10.17 fish/net set2018No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Boy LakeCass3,30899.1index 19,846.56 fish/net set2021No record—
2Inguadona LakeCass1,13360.1index 4,4413.92 fish/net set2024No record—
3Girl LakeCass42810.8index 762.21.78 fish/net set2007No record—
4Hand LakeCass2890.2index 520.61.8 fish/net set1990No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Boy LakeCass3,30888.1index 12,999.53.93 fish/net set2025No record—
2Inguadona LakeCass1,13379.3index 5,5744.92 fish/net set2016No record—
3Blackwater LakeCass77120.3index 1,542.92 fish/net set2023No record—
4Girl LakeCass4281.3index 903.52.11 fish/net set1997No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Wolf LakeCass52590.0index 4,196.78 fish/net set1991No record—
2Bowen LakeCass18240.2index 515.52.83 fish/net set2019No record—
3Little Webb LakeCass22614.4index 2261 fish/net set2006No record—
4Child LakeCass28510.0index 142.50.5 fish/net set2024No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Wolf LakeCass525100.0index 1,804.63.44 fish/net set2024No record—
2Bowen LakeCass18226.3index 606.63.33 fish/net set1967No record—
3Child LakeCass28519.2index 855.13 fish/net set1978No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 35 standard gill nets normal 1 to 3 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hovde LakeCass13376.6index 8316.25 fish/net set1995No record—
2Big Sand LakeCass73166.9index 1,337.31.83 fish/net set2014No record—
3Crystal LakeCass19010.0index 190.21 fish/net set2025No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Wolf LakeCass52590.0index 2,565.24.89 fish/net set2019No record—
2Bowen LakeCass18245.1index 515.52.83 fish/net set2024No record—
3Little Webb LakeCass2266.0index 2261 fish/net set2022No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake AdaCass96355.0index 3,275.33.4 fish/net set1975No record—
2Lake ThirteenCass55545.0index 2,955.65.33 fish/net set2014No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 35 standard gill nets normal 1 to 3 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Crystal LakeCass190100.0index 1,616.78.5 fish/net set2015No record—
2Hovde LakeCass1330.0index 1,063.78 fish/net set1990No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Gull LakeCass10,01065.0index 56,756.55.67 fish/net set2025No record—
2Little Boy LakeCass1,45235.0index 17,42012 fish/net set2012No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake ThirteenCass55590.0index 3,698.66.67 fish/net set1979No record—
2Lake AdaCass96310.0index 3,053.73.17 fish/net set2022No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 5 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Sand LakeCass41390.0index 1,239.93 fish/net set1996No record—
2Big Portage LakeCass90210.0index 794.10.88 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 1 3 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Girl LakeCass42890.0index 6681.56 fish/net set2012No record—
2Hand LakeCass28910.0index 49.20.17 fish/net set2019No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 8 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake ThirteenCass555100.0index 2,495.34.5 fish/net set2025No record—
2Lake AdaCass9630.0index 2,408.32.5 fish/net set1995No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 5 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Portage LakeCass90290.0index 1,245.21.38 fish/net set2012No record—
2Little Sand LakeCass41310.0index 90.90.22 fish/net set2013No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Boy LakeCass1,452——9.25 fish/net set1990No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Beuber LakeCass132——0.33 fish/net set1987No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 5 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Sand LakeCass413——0.29 fish/net set1983No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Island LakeCass184——0.33 fish/net set2002No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 4 to 9 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Boy LakeCass1,452——9.83 fish/net set2024No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 28 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Leavitt LakeCass122——0.5 fish/net set2022No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Beuber LakeCass132——0.2 fish/net set1996No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 35 standard gill nets normal 1 to 3 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hovde LakeCass133——1 fish/net set2005No record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Lake WinnibigoshishCass56,471————No record—
—Leech LakeCass103,444————No record—
—Little Thunder LakeCass258————No 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 walleye ranking.

FAQ

Cass County walleye fishing FAQ

Which walleye lakes receive a numeric county rank?

26 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 walleye?

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

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