Cross Lake
About Cross Lake
Cross Lake is a 925-acre lake near Pine City in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 12.8 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 24 Pine County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 31 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cross Lake
- 925 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Pine City
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 925 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 507 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
- 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
- 31
- Game fish
- 15
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- April 27, 2023
- Most recent
- April 11, 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 Cross Lake
Compare Cross Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Cross Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Cross Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Cross Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Cross Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pokegama Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Pine City1,521 acres
4.7 miles away
Quamba Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Quamba226 acres
11.6 miles away
East Rush Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Rush City1,494 acres
12.3 miles away
West Rush Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Rush City1,594 acres
13.1 miles away
Pomroy Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Quamba412 acres
16.1 miles away
Goose Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Stark (Chisago)732 acres
16.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Pine City. It covers 925 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake covers 925 acres with about 12.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cross Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cross Lake?
Yes. Cross Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cross Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cross 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 Cross Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cross Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cross Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Cross Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is April 27, 2023.
Does Cross Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cross Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.