Lake St. Croix
About Lake St. Croix
Lake St. Croix is an 8,393-acre river lake near Stillwater in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 124.5 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Washington County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.7 feet. The lake is a border water shared with Wisconsin, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 35 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. 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 2024.
There are 5 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county. OpenStreetMap shows Dog Cove and Riverside Beach on or beside the lake. Afton State Park Back Country Campground and Afton State Park River Side are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake St. Croix
- 8,393 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Stillwater
- 5 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
- Average water clarity around 5.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Dog Cove)
- Camping close to the water at Afton State Park Back Country Campground and Afton State Park River Side
- Border water with Wisconsin — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 8,393 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Shoreline
- 124.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.7 ft
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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Wisconsin differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Dog Cove, Riverside Beach, and Lakeland Beach
- Camping: Afton State Park Back Country Campground, Afton State Park River Side, and Group Camp
- Marina: Bayport Marina and Stillwater Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 35
- Game fish
- 15
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Afton State Park Back Country Campground, Afton State Park River Side, Group Camp, and Afton Backpack Campground are mapped on or near Lake St. Croix. 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 Lake St. Croix
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Elmo
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Lake Elmo257 acres
7 miles away
Lily Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater44 acres
9.4 miles away
Battle Creek
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall106 acres
9.5 miles away
Long Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater102 acres
9.8 miles away
Jane Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Lake Elmo158 acres
9.8 miles away
Tanners Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall74 acres
10.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake St. Croix?
Lake St. Croix is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Stillwater. It covers 8,393 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake St. Croix?
Lake St. Croix covers 8,393 acres with about 124.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake St. Croix?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, and Bluegill and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake St. Croix?
Yes. Lake St. Croix has 5 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake St. Croix?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Dog Cove and Riverside Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake St. Croix stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake St. Croix; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake St. Croix?
Yes. Afton State Park Back Country Campground, Afton State Park River Side, and Group Camp are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake St. Croix have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake St. Croix 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.