Cross Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. DNR lake ID 18031200.
Cross Lake is a 1,815-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. Its deepest point reaches 84 ft, and about 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is part of the Whitefish Chain. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Cross 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 | 18031200 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Cross Lake |
| Surface area | 1,815 acres |
| Maximum depth | 84 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 48% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.2 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Boating chain | Whitefish Chain |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2020: clarity 16.2 ft, phosphorus 14.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Cross Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Cross Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 1.47 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.07 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.67 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.53 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.47 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.27 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.13 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.73 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.53 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.13 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.13 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 30.0 in (2021), Walleye 26.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
- Cross Lake #2: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 35 trailer spaces. 1 mile northwest of the city of Cross Lake, just west of CSAH 6, on the east shore of Cross Lake. Directions
- Cross Lake #1: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 23 trailer spaces. 1.5 mi S of Crosslake on Co Rd 3, then 2.5 mi W on Co Rd 103, then 1 mi N on West Shore Drive. Directions
- Crosslake Lake Public Water Access: 1 natural launch ramp. Co Rd 16, to 36150 Robert Street Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Whitefish Chain
Fourteen lakes that became one connected system when the Pine River dam raised the water about ten feet. Roughly 14,000 acres of boatable water around Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, and Pine River. The DNR records Rush and Hen as one lake.
Whitefish Lake, Big Trout Lake, Rush Lake, Lower Hay Lake, Little Pine Lake, Bertha Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Daggett Lake, Clamshell Lake, Pig Lake, Island Lake, Loon Lake
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: The Wharf, restaurant and gas dock in the channel between Cross Lake and Rush Lake, by boat or by car; Zorbaz, cross Lake location of the lakeside pizza and Mexican chain; Moonlite Bay, crosslake landmark on the Whitefish Chain known for its summer events.
On-water fuel: The Wharf, gas dock in the channel between Cross Lake and Rush Lake; MarineMax Crosslake, fuel docks open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, pay at the pump, 36448 County Rd 66; Bait Box Marina (Your Boat Club), whitefish Chain gas, bait, and rentals in midtown Crosslake. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Pleasant Lake 0.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Star Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rush Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Star Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Duck Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Round Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pig Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 2.5 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Cross Lake
How deep is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake reaches a maximum depth of 84 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake covers about 1,815 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Cross Lake?
Summer water clarity on Cross Lake averages 16.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Cross Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Cross Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Cross Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Cross Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Cross Lake?
Cross Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: Cross Lake #2; Cross Lake #1; Crosslake Lake Public Water Access.
How is the walleye population on Cross Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2021, walleye numbers on Cross 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 Cross Lake?
Homes on Cross 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 Cross Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Cross Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 48% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cross Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about Cross 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 2021), 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.