First Crow Wing Lake
About First Crow Wing Lake
First Crow Wing Lake is a 522-acre lake near Hubbard in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to First Crow Wing Lake
- 522 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Hubbard
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.1 feet
- Listed as infested with faucet snail — 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
- 522 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 522 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)
- 1 carry-in access
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
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- 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 16
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 9, 2005
- Latest
- April 21, 2019
- Most recent
- April 21, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to First Crow Wing Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Second Crow Wing Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids221 acres
1.4 miles away
Third Crow Wing Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Hubbard643 acres
1.9 miles away
Palmer Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids146 acres
2.1 miles away
Fourth Crow Wing Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nevis434 acres
2.8 miles away
Island Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nevis225 acres
3.4 miles away
Duck Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Hubbard326 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is First Crow Wing Lake?
First Crow Wing Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Hubbard. It covers 522 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is First Crow Wing Lake?
First Crow Wing Lake covers 522 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at First Crow Wing Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on First Crow Wing Lake?
Yes. First 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 First Crow Wing Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at First 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 First Crow Wing Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for First Crow Wing Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on First Crow Wing Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on First Crow Wing Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 2005 and the latest is April 21, 2019.
Does First Crow Wing Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists First Crow Wing Lake as infested with faucet snail. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.