Skip to content
MN Fish Finder

Pleasant

Cass County
Near Hackensack
DOW: 11038300
Smallmouth BassExcellent · 80Rock BassGood · 67WalleyeGood · 66

A 1,099-acre lake near Hackensack in Cass County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 2023.

Fish Species (19)

Smallmouth Bass

Excellent · 80

Typical numbers · large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jul 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size
14.0"
Avg Weight
1.44 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable smallmouth bass88% keeper-size (12"+)
7–11" · 12%Largest sampled 17"

Size from the Jul 2023 survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20230.6714.5"1.99 lbs
Jun 22, 20210.18--
Jul 27, 20202.2513.8"1.91 lbs

Rock Bass

Good · 67

Typical numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
6.3"
Avg Weight
0.26 lbs

Catch rate: 1.5 per trap net · typical 0.5–2.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable rock bass31% keeper-size (8"+)
4–7" · 69%Largest sampled 10"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20231.506.3"0.26 lbs
Jul 24, 20239.426.3"0.30 lbs
Jun 22, 202159.34--

Walleye

Stocked 2023
Good · 66

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
17.7"
Avg Weight
2.10 lbs

Catch rate: 3.3 per gill net · typical 3.3–8.8 for a lake like this

Size of catchable walleye88% keeper-size (15"+)
10–14" · 12%Largest sampled 27"
Stocked with fingerlings every other year · 36,916 fish total
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20233.3317.7"2.10 lbs
Jul 24, 20230.3317.7"2.67 lbs
Jul 27, 20205.1717.6"2.11 lbs
Stocking Details
YearSizeNumberPounds
2023fingerlings9,044411.1
2021fingerlings6,144409.6
2019fingerlings8,200410.0
2017fingerlings13,528409.9

Black Crappie

Good · 65

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
8.6"
Avg Weight
0.42 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 0.4–2.7 for a lake like this

Size of catchable black crappie31% keeper-size (10"+)
5–9" · 69%Largest sampled 11"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20231.338.6"0.42 lbs
Jul 24, 20231.008.6"0.55 lbs
Jul 27, 20201.258.3"0.49 lbs

Largemouth Bass

Good · 62

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jul 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size
12.4"
Avg Weight
1.20 lbs

Catch rate: 23.5 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable largemouth bass37% keeper-size (12"+)
8–11" · 63%Largest sampled 17"

Size from the Jul 2023 survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20233.2510.2"0.68 lbs
Jul 24, 20230.5010.2"1.25 lbs
Jun 22, 20212.64--

Northern Pike

Average · 45

Above-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
16.4"
Avg Weight
1.00 lbs

Catch rate: 21.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–9 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike4% keeper-size (24"+)
14–23" · 96%Largest sampled 28"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 202321.0016.4"1.00 lbs
Jul 24, 20230.5016.4"1.03 lbs
Jun 22, 20210.66--

Bluegill

Average · 35

Typical numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
5.3"
Avg Weight
0.19 lbs

Catch rate: 6.6 per trap net · typical 4.4–49 for a lake like this

Size of catchable bluegill7% keeper-size (8"+)
3–7" · 93%Largest sampled 9"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 202311.335.3"0.17 lbs
Jul 24, 20236.585.3"0.19 lbs
Jun 22, 20211.32--

Pumpkinseed

Poor · 16

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
4.9"
Avg Weight
0.19 lbs

Catch rate: 1.4 per trap net · typical 1.8–7.8 for a lake like this

Size of catchable pumpkinseed0% keeper-size (8"+)
3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 7"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 202311.674.9"0.15 lbs
Jul 24, 20231.424.9"0.19 lbs
Jun 22, 20210.33--

Yellow Perch

Poor · 15

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
6.3"
Avg Weight
0.12 lbs

Catch rate: 3.2 per gill net · typical 7–46.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable yellow perch3% keeper-size (9"+)
5–8" · 97%Largest sampled 10"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20233.176.3"0.12 lbs
Jul 24, 20230.086.3"0.17 lbs
Jun 22, 20210.67--

Hybrid Sunfish

Poor · 9

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
6.2"
Avg Weight
0.39 lbs

Catch rate: 0.17 per trap net

Size of catchable hybrid sunfish0% keeper-size (8"+)
3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 7"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20230.256.2"0.23 lbs
Jul 24, 20230.176.2"0.39 lbs
Jul 27, 20200.256.7"0.30 lbs
Other species in this lake (9)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 64

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
17.8"
Avg Weight
2.68 lbs

Catch rate: 1.9 per gill net · typical 0.9–4 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20231.9217.8"2.68 lbs
Jun 22, 20212.00--
Jul 27, 20200.9216.5"2.26 lbs

Shorthead Redhorse

Good · 50

Large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1984

Last surveyed 1984 — treat with caution

Avg Weight
6.00 lbs

Catch rate: 0.07 per trap net · typical 0.1–1.2 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 17, 19840.07-6.00 lbs
Jul 14, 19750.44-6.74 lbs

Yellow Bullhead

Average · 48

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size
9.5"
Avg Weight
0.60 lbs

Catch rate: 2.8 per trap net · typical 1.2–5.2 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20236.339.5"0.56 lbs
Jul 24, 20232.759.5"0.60 lbs
Jun 22, 20210.66--

Brown Bullhead

Average · 41

Typical numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2020

Avg Size
10.6"
Avg Weight
0.65 lbs

Catch rate: 0.45 per trap net · typical 0.3–1.6 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 24, 20230.4212.4"1.13 lbs
Jul 27, 20200.5810.6"0.76 lbs
Jul 27, 20200.4510.6"0.65 lbs

Black Bullhead

Average · 37

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2005

Last surveyed 2005 — treat with caution

Avg Size
9.0"
Avg Weight
0.71 lbs

Catch rate: 0.17 per trap net · typical 0.3–2.6 for a lake like this

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 20, 20090.0811.0"0.84 lbs
Jul 25, 20050.179.0"0.71 lbs
Jul 25, 20050.259.0"0.33 lbs

Golden Shiner

Insufficient

Seining survey · surveyed Jul 2012

Last surveyed 2012 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 0.2 · Seining survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jul 30, 20120.20--
Jul 30, 20122.33--

Bluntnose Minnow

Insufficient

Seining survey · surveyed Jun 2021

Catch rate: 0.91 · Seining survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jun 22, 20210.91--
Jun 22, 20219.89--
Jul 30, 201210.28--

Johnny Darter

Insufficient

Seining survey · surveyed Jun 2021

Catch rate: 0.73 · Seining survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jun 22, 20210.73--
Jul 30, 20120.40--
Jul 30, 20121.03--

Iowa Darter

Insufficient

Seining survey · surveyed Jun 2021

Catch rate: 0.33 · Seining survey

Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jun 22, 20210.33--
Jun 22, 20210.66--
Jul 30, 20121.33--

Biologist Notes

July 31, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 27.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 27.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that limited oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 21.0 degrees C (69.9 degrees F). TDO3 values near 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco; however, the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2012-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period indicate variability of suitable oxythermal habitat across in years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2012. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

July 31, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 27.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 27.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that limited oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 21.0 degrees C (69.9 degrees F). TDO3 values near 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco; however, the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2012-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period indicate variability of suitable oxythermal habitat across in years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2012. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

July 31, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins in Pleasant Lake on July 31, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 27.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 27.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that limited oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 21.0 degrees C (69.9 degrees F). TDO3 values near 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco; however, the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2012-2023 during the late summer thermal stress period indicate variability of suitable oxythermal habitat across in years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2012. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Pleasant?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Walleye, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass in Pleasant. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Pleasant?

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Pleasant. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

How deep is Pleasant?

Pleasant has a maximum depth of 72 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Pleasant last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pleasant is from 2023.

Does Pleasant have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Pleasant in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

More lakes in Cass County

View all

Lake Details

Surface Area
1,099.17 acres
Max Depth
72 ft
Shoreline
10.06 mi
Public Access
Yes
View on DNR LakeFinder

Location

46.9135°N, 94.4748°W

Get Directions