Whitefish Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. DNR lake ID 18031000.
Whitefish Lake is a 7,714-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. Its deepest point reaches 138 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.9 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 Whitefish 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 | 18031000 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Cross Lake |
| Surface area | 7,714 acres |
| Maximum depth | 138 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Whitefish Chain |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.9 ft, phosphorus 16.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Whitefish Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Whitefish 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 | 6.25 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.0 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 15.17 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.29 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.5 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.58 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.38 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.38 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 0.38 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.08 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.25 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2021), Walleye 24.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 15.0 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, Silver 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
- Upper Whitefish Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 25 trailer spaces. 3 miles North and East of Jenkins on Co Rd 15, then 0.75 mile East on Jenkins Twp Rd. Directions
- Whitefish Lake, Pig Bay Public Water Access: carry-in or shore access. 10628 South Rd 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.
Cross 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
On-water fuel: Whitefish Chain fuel docks, boat to MarineMax Crosslake, Bait Box Marina, or The Wharf on Cross Lake, or Bertha Boat Works on Bertha Lake. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Arrowhead Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pig Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clamshell Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grass Lake 2.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Kimball Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bertha Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Round Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Whitefish Lake
How deep is Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake reaches a maximum depth of 138 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake covers about 7,714 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Whitefish Lake?
Summer water clarity on Whitefish Lake averages 13.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Whitefish Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Whitefish Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Whitefish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Whitefish Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Upper Whitefish Lake; Whitefish Lake, Pig Bay Public Water Access.
How is the walleye population on Whitefish Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2021, walleye numbers on Whitefish 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 Whitefish Lake?
Homes on Whitefish 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 Whitefish Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Whitefish Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Whitefish Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about Whitefish 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.