Crow Wing Lake
About Crow Wing Lake
Crow Wing Lake is a 379-acre lake near Fort Ripley in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 45 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Crow Wing Lake
- 379 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Fort Ripley
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 379 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 210 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
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- 8
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 45
- Earliest
- March 20, 2016
- Latest
- April 30, 1975
- Most recent
- April 28, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Crow Wing Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Hardy Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Brainerd105 acres
4.3 miles away
Sebie Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fort Ripley185 acres
4.7 miles away
Sylvan Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Sylvan321 acres
5.6 miles away
Round Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Saint Mathias139 acres
5.9 miles away
Perch Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter266 acres
7.9 miles away
White Sand Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter415 acres
8.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crow Wing Lake?
Crow Wing Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Fort Ripley. It covers 379 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Crow Wing Lake?
Crow Wing Lake covers 379 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Crow Wing Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Crow Wing Lake?
Yes. Crow Wing Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Crow Wing Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Crow Wing Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Crow Wing Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 45 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 20, 2016 and the latest is April 30, 1975.