Crooked Lake
About Crooked Lake
Crooked Lake is a 463-acre lake near Garrison in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 72 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.6 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Crooked Lake
- 463 acres, up to 72 feet deep, near Garrison
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 16.6 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 463 acres
- Max depth
- 72 ft
- Shoreline
- 10 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 234 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Crooked Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Hanks Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison165 acres
1 miles away
Portage Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison287 acres
1.6 miles away
Clearwater Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)905 acres
1.8 miles away
Bay
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)2,330 acres
2.5 miles away
Nokay Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd704 acres
3 miles away
Scott Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison157 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. It covers 463 acres and reaches 72 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake covers 463 acres with about 10 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 72 feet.
What fish can you catch at Crooked Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Crooked Lake?
Yes. Crooked Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Crooked Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Crooked 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 Crooked Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Crooked Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Crooked Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Crooked Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.