Crooked Lake
About Crooked Lake
Crooked Lake is a 272-acre lake near Finland in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. 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.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Crooked Lake
- 272 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Finland
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9.9 feet
- 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
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 272 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 258 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
- 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
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Crooked Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Hare Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder48 acres
1.3 miles away
Echo Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Finland42 acres
1.3 miles away
Ninemile Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder297 acres
1.8 miles away
Dam Five Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella78 acres
3 miles away
Little Wilson Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder55 acres
3.7 miles away
Sister Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Sawbill Landing125 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Finland. It covers 272 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Crooked Lake?
Crooked Lake covers 272 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Crooked Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Crooked Lake?
Yes. Crooked Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Crooked Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Crooked 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 Crooked Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Crooked Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Crooked Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Crooked 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.