Horseshoe Lake
About Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a 922-acre lake near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake
- 922 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- 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 12.4 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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
- 922 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 526 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 Horseshoe Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield285 acres
1.7 miles away
Upper Mission Lake
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2.8 miles away
Pelican Lake
82 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point8,367 acres
2.9 miles away
Lougee Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Mission212 acres
3 miles away
Lower Mission Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield732 acres
3.6 miles away
Markee Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert104 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 922 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers 922 acres with about 7.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Horseshoe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Horseshoe Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Horseshoe Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Horseshoe Lake 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.