---
type: lake
name: "Hustler Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Crane Lake"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 277
max_depth_ft: 74
latitude: 48.22992
longitude: -92.15489
lake_score: 52
dnr_lake_id: "69034300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/hustler-lake
---

# Hustler Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake

- **Surface Area**: 277 acres
- **Max Depth**: 74 ft
- **Shoreline**: 7.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10.6 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 52/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Lynx Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lynx-lake) - 2 miles, 291 acres
- [Oyster Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/oyster-lake) - 2.2 miles, 763 acres
- [Rocky Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/rocky-lake) - 2.7 miles, 120 acres
- [Heritage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/heritage-lake) - 2.8 miles, 207 acres
- [Green Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/green-lake) - 3 miles, 160 acres
- [Shell Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/shell-lake) - 3.1 miles, 493 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.22992,-92.15489)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69034300)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/hustler-lake)*