Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Horseshoe Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Visit Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known for offering the best Walleye fishing and Muskie fishing in the Midwest. With 195 miles of shoreline and 112,835 acres to explore, both professional fishermen and family fishing trips alike are sure to enjoy a successful day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Share your catch!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Horseshoe Lake, MN
- How big is Horseshoe Lake?
- How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Horseshoe Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Horseshoe Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Horseshoe Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Horseshoe Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Horseshoe Lake?
How big is Horseshoe Lake?
How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Horseshoe Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bluntnose Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Mimic Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Horseshoe Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Horseshoe Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Horseshoe Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Horseshoe Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Horseshoe Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Horseshoe Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Horseshoe Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Horseshoe Lake (DOW# 11-0358; Lake Class 23) is a 260-acre lake located near of Backus, MN. There is a DNR owned public access on the south shore. Horseshoe Lake has 3.84 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 51 feet. The lake is primarily managed for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye and secondarily for Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch.
In 2005, a suite of special regulations was implemented with a mix of length and possession limit restrictions on Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Sunfish and Walleye. The DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Horseshoe Lake is in Lake Class 23; lakes in this class are generally very clear, very deep, have a low percentage of shallow water area, and have very irregularly shaped shoreline with many bays or points.
Horseshoe Lake is unique in the fact that it for its size and simplicity it support a strong naturally reproducing Walleye population. Compared to similar lakes, Horseshoe Lake has very good numbers of Walleye. The majority are eater sized (13-17 inches), but Walleye up to 27 inches were sampled. In addition to Walleye, the lake also supports quality angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. The majority of bass sampled were over 15 inches and included fish up to 18 inches. Although numbers of Bluegill are relatively low, approximately 25% of fish sampled were longer than 8 inches. Other fish species that anglers can expect to encounter include Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.
People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Currently no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Horseshoe Lake. AIS are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries office.
What is the average air temp for Horseshoe Lake?
Are there any state parks near Horseshoe Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Horseshoe Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Rainy Lake | 1.2 mi | 129 | 29 ft |
| Bass Lake | 1.2 mi | 93 | 28 ft |
| Ox Yoke Lake | 1.4 mi | 187 | 42 ft |
| Fawn Lake | 1.6 mi | 46 | 29 ft |
| Sanborn Lake | 1.7 mi | 220 | 48 ft |
| Lind Lake | 2.1 mi | 440 | 27 ft |
| Johnson Lake | 2.2 mi | 90 | 55 ft |
| Five Point Lake | 2.3 mi | 251 | 37 ft |
| Island Lake | 2.3 mi | 93 | 14 ft |
| Beuber Lake | 2.4 mi | 132 | 32 ft |
