Cross Lake
About Cross Lake
Cross Lake is a 320-acre lake near Fosston in Polk County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. Tilberg Park Campsites is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Cross Lake
- 320 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Fosston
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at Tilberg Park Campsites
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 320 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 303 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)
- Camping: Tilberg Park Campsites
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Tilberg Park Campsites is mapped on or near Cross Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cross Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Turtle Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston525 acres
2.2 miles away
Whitefish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston243 acres
2.9 miles away
Pine Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Gonvick1,236 acres
6.6 miles away
Lindberg Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Clearbrook95 acres
7 miles away
Spring Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Lengby134 acres
7.9 miles away
Hill River
52 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · McIntosh102 acres
9.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake is in Polk County, Minnesota, near Fosston. It covers 320 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake covers 320 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cross Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cross Lake?
Yes. Cross Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. 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.
Can you camp at Cross Lake?
Yes. Tilberg Park Campsites is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.