Crane Lake
About Crane Lake
Crane Lake is a 2,921-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 34 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sauger, 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 county. Headquarters RV Park and King Williams Narro are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Crane Lake
- 2,921 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Crane Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.2 feet
- Camping close to the water at Headquarters RV Park and King Williams Narro
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — 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, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,921 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Shoreline
- 34 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 618 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)
- Camping: Headquarters RV Park and King Williams Narro
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye and Sauger: Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 27, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2014
- Most recent
- April 24, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Headquarters RV Park and King Williams Narro are mapped on or near Crane 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 Crane Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Franklin Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake156 acres
4 miles away
Mukooda Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake774 acres
4.4 miles away
Dovre Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake116 acres
4.9 miles away
Johnson Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake1,736 acres
5.5 miles away
Little Vermilion Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake1,288 acres
5.6 miles away
Sand Point Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake8,527 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crane Lake?
Crane Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake. It covers 2,921 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Crane Lake?
Crane Lake covers 2,921 acres with about 34 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet.
What fish can you catch at Crane Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Crane Lake?
Yes. Crane Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Crane Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Crane 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 Crane Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Crane Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Crane Lake?
Yes. Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Crane Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2014.
Can you camp at Crane Lake?
Yes. Headquarters RV Park and King Williams Narro are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Crane Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Crane Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.