Crooked Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. DNR lake ID 18004100.
Crooked Lake is a 462.7-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. Its deepest point reaches 72 ft, and about 51% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Crooked 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Crooked LakeWhat’s my Crooked Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18004100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Garrison |
| Surface area | 462.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 72 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 51% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.4 ft, phosphorus 12.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Crooked Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Crooked Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | 0.33 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.56 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.22 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.44 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.22 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 11.67 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.11 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.44 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 35.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2016), Walleye 20.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2018).
Public boat access
- Crooked Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 6 miles West of Garrison on MN Hwy. 18,then 1.25 miles North on Crow Wing Co. Rd. #124. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hanks Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Portage Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clearwater Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rice Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bay 2.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Eagle Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Butternut Lake 3.0 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Crooked Lake
How deep is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake reaches a maximum depth of 72 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 51% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake covers about 462.7 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Crooked Lake?
Summer water clarity on Crooked Lake averages 14.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Crooked Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Crooked Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in Crooked Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Crooked Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Crooked Lake.
How is the walleye population on Crooked Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2016, walleye numbers on Crooked Lake ran mostly below 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 Crooked Lake?
Homes on Crooked 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 Crooked Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Crooked Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 51% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Crooked Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Crooked Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Crooked Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2016), 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.