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Crescent Lake

lakeCook County, Minnesota · near Grand Marais755 acres61 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake is a 755-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.4 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Crescent Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit to Crescent Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 755 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Grand Marais
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
  • Average water clarity around 7.4 feet
  • Camping close to the water at Crescent Lake Campground

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
US Forest Service

Conditions

Surface area
755 acres
Max depth
28 ft
Shoreline
14 mi
Water clarity
7.4 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
558 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 (concrete)
  • Camping: Crescent Lake Campground

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Lakeside camping
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
11
Game fish
8
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2024
Special regulations
No
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes
View on DNR LakeFinder Buy a Minnesota fishing license

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Camping & Reservations

Crescent Lake Campground is mapped on or near Crescent 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

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampCampground

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeMuskellungeTiger MuskellungeLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassPumpkinseedYellow PerchHybrid SunfishNorthern SunfishWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Crescent Lake

Compare Crescent Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

Best fishing lakes in Cook County

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Best camping lakes in Cook County

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Best paddling lakes in Cook County

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Best ice fishing lakes in Cook County

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Nearby Lakes

Bouder Lake

48 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Grand Marais129 acres

1 miles away

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Moore Lake

26 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Lutsen61 acres

1.6 miles away

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Lichen Lake

36 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Lutsen253 acres

2 miles away

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Kinogami Lake

41 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Lutsen111 acres

2.8 miles away

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Marsh

33 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Tofte66 acres

2.9 miles away

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Tait Lake

50 out of 100 Lake Score

Cook · Lutsen355 acres

3 miles away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 755 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake covers 755 acres with about 14 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.

What fish can you catch at Crescent Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Crescent Lake?

Yes. Crescent Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Crescent Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Crescent 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 Crescent Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Crescent Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.

Can you camp at Crescent Lake?

Yes. Crescent Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.