Horseshoe Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. DNR lake ID 18025100.
Horseshoe Lake is a 922-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. Its deepest point reaches 56 ft, and about 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Horseshoe 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 | 18025100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Cross Lake |
| Surface area | 922 acres |
| Maximum depth | 56 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 57% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.9 ft, phosphorus 11.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Horseshoe Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Horseshoe Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 0.83 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.67 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.08 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.92 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.33 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.58 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 14.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.83 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 4.0 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.58 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.42 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.4 to 1.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 2.58 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.58 | 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 (2022), Smallmouth bass 6.0 in (1996), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2022), Northern pike 33.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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: zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
- Horseshoe Lake, Sandbar: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. 6 mi S of Crosslake on Co Rd 3, then 1.25 mi E on Horseshoe Lk Rd. Lake is called "Horseshoe Lake" by locals. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Young Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Bass Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- East Twin Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- West Twin Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bonnie Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Upper Mission Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pelican Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Horseshoe Lake
How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake reaches a maximum depth of 56 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers about 922 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Horseshoe Lake?
Summer water clarity on Horseshoe Lake averages 14.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Horseshoe Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Horseshoe Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Horseshoe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Horseshoe Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Horseshoe Lake, Sandbar.
How is the walleye population on Horseshoe Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2022, walleye numbers on Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Homes on Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Horseshoe Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 57% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Horseshoe Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Horseshoe Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Horseshoe 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 2022), 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.