Ice Cracking Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. DNR lake ID 03015600.
Ice Cracking Lake is a 345.3-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. Its deepest point reaches 73 ft, and about 23% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Ice Cracking Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03015600 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Ponsford |
| Surface area | 345.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 73 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 23% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.0 ft through 2023 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 22.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2023: clarity 12.0 ft, phosphorus 22.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Ice Cracking Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Ice Cracking Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2004 (22 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 4.44 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.56 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.11 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.78 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.44 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.78 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.22 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.89 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.78 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.44 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.33 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2004), Northern pike 30.0 in (2004), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2004).
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Round Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- Bush Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- Waboose Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Green Water Lake 2.7 mi, Becker County
- Lower Egg Lake 3.4 mi, Becker County
- Chippewa Lake 3.9 mi, Becker County
- Upper Egg Lake 4.1 mi, Becker County
- Carman Lake 4.5 mi, Becker County
Questions about Ice Cracking Lake
How deep is Ice Cracking Lake?
Ice Cracking Lake reaches a maximum depth of 73 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 23% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ice Cracking Lake?
Ice Cracking Lake covers about 345.3 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ice Cracking Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ice Cracking Lake averages 12.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Ice Cracking Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Ice Cracking Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
How is the walleye population on Ice Cracking Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2004, walleye numbers on Ice Cracking Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Ice Cracking Lake?
Homes on Ice Cracking Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Ice Cracking Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ice Cracking Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 23% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ice Cracking Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ice Cracking Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ice Cracking Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2004), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.