Cross Lake Reservoir
About Cross Lake Reservoir
Cross Lake Reservoir is a 1,815-acre reservoir near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 84 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 21.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR. US Army Corps of Engineers Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Cross Lake Reservoir
- 1,815 acres, up to 84 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 16.5 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at US Army Corps of Engineers Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,815 acres
- Max depth
- 84 ft
- Shoreline
- 21.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 879 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: US Army Corps of Engineers Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 21
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
US Army Corps of Engineers Campground is mapped on or near Cross Lake Reservoir. 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 Cross Lake Reservoir
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Nearby Lakes
Rush Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake858 acres
1.8 miles away
Star Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake127 acres
1.8 miles away
Pig Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake196 acres
2.3 miles away
Bass Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins121 acres
2.5 miles away
Pine Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake324 acres
2.5 miles away
Daggett Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake258 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cross Lake Reservoir?
Cross Lake Reservoir is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 1,815 acres and reaches 84 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cross Lake Reservoir?
Cross Lake Reservoir covers 1,815 acres with about 21.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 84 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cross Lake Reservoir?
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 Cross Lake Reservoir?
Yes. Cross Lake Reservoir has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cross Lake Reservoir?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cross Lake Reservoir. 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 Cross Lake Reservoir stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cross Lake Reservoir; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cross Lake Reservoir?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Can you camp at Cross Lake Reservoir?
Yes. US Army Corps of Engineers Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Cross Lake Reservoir have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cross Lake Reservoir as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.