Ice Cracking Lake
About Ice Cracking Lake
Ice Cracking Lake is a 345-acre lake near Ponsford in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2004.
There is one public boat launch. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Ice Cracking Lake
- 345 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Ponsford
- 1 public boat launch
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 345 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 80 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2004
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Ice Cracking Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ice Cracking Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford1,094 acres
1.9 miles away
Waboose Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford232 acres
2.4 miles away
Many Point Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford1,701 acres
4.7 miles away
Winter Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood117 acres
5.1 miles away
Island Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Snellman1,179 acres
5.5 miles away
Little Bemidji Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford293 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ice Cracking Lake?
Ice Cracking Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. It covers 345 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ice Cracking Lake?
Ice Cracking Lake covers 345 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ice Cracking Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ice Cracking Lake?
Yes. Ice Cracking Lake has 1 public boat launch. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ice Cracking Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ice Cracking Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Ice Cracking Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ice Cracking Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Ice Cracking Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.