Pig Lake
About Pig Lake
Pig Lake is a 196-acre lake near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pig Lake
- 196 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county
- 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 15.8 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 196 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 75 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- April 4, 2000
- Latest
- May 7, 2008
- Most recent
- April 19, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pig Lake
Compare Pig Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Pig Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Pig Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins121 acres
1.2 miles away
Star Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake127 acres
1.5 miles away
Kimball Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins190 acres
1.7 miles away
Whitefish Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake7,714 acres
1.8 miles away
Clamshell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins211 acres
2.2 miles away
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pig Lake?
Pig Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 196 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pig Lake?
Pig Lake covers 196 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pig 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 Pig Lake?
Yes. Pig Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pig Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pig 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 Pig Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Pig Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pig Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Pig Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 4, 2000 and the latest is May 7, 2008.
Does Pig Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pig 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.