Hustler Lake
About Hustler Lake
Hustler Lake is a 277-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 74 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 8 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Hustler Lake
- 277 acres, up to 74 feet deep, near Crane Lake
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 10.6 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 277 acres
- Max depth
- 74 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 121 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 3 portage accesses
- Camping (8 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
8 campgrounds are mapped on or near Hustler 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 Hustler Lake
Compare Hustler Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Hustler Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lynx Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake291 acres
2 miles away
Oyster Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely763 acres
2.2 miles away
Rocky Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake120 acres
2.7 miles away
Heritage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake207 acres
2.8 miles away
Green Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake160 acres
3 miles away
Shell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake493 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hustler Lake?
Hustler Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake. It covers 277 acres and reaches 74 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hustler Lake?
Hustler Lake covers 277 acres with about 7.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 74 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hustler Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hustler Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Hustler Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hustler 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 Hustler Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hustler Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Hustler Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.