McCraney Lake
About McCraney Lake
McCraney Lake is a 270-acre lake near Naytahwaush in Mahnomen County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2003.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth 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.
Plan Your Visit to McCraney Lake
- 270 acres, up to 43 feet deep, near Naytahwaush
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 270 acres
- Max depth
- 43 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 107 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2003
- 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 McCraney Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Snider Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush634 acres
2.5 miles away
White Earth Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,989 acres
3.7 miles away
Tulaby Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun832 acres
4.8 miles away
Little Elbow Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Elbow Lake Village168 acres
4.8 miles away
South Twin Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun1,127 acres
5.1 miles away
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth126 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McCraney Lake?
McCraney Lake is in Mahnomen County, Minnesota, near Naytahwaush. It covers 270 acres and reaches 43 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McCraney Lake?
McCraney Lake covers 270 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 43 feet.
What fish can you catch at McCraney 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 McCraney Lake?
Yes. McCraney Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at McCraney Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at McCraney 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 McCraney Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for McCraney Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does McCraney Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists McCraney 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.