O'Brien Lake
About O'Brien Lake
O'Brien Lake is an 186-acre lake near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 24 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to O'Brien Lake
- 186 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 24 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 186 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 24 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 103 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to O'Brien Lake
Compare O'Brien Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Velvet Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake167 acres
1.1 miles away
Goodrich Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake382 acres
1.1 miles away
Dolney Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily272 acres
1.7 miles away
Little Pine Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake330 acres
2.3 miles away
Daggett Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake258 acres
2.6 miles away
Greer Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake354 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is O'Brien Lake?
O'Brien Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 186 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is O'Brien Lake?
O'Brien Lake covers 186 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet.
What fish can you catch at O'Brien Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 O'Brien Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at O'Brien Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at O'Brien 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 O'Brien Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for O'Brien Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.