Cross Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Cross Lake?

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Are there places to eat and drink near Cross Lake?

Cross is a 101-acre lake with 100 acres (99%) of littoral area and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Cross Lake is located 2.5 miles north of Cromwell, Minnesota off Highway #73. Cross Lake has a gravel, back-in access off the Highway #73 right-of-way on the east end of the lake. Cross Lake was survey during the summer of 2009 as part of an effort to evaluate the impacts of the aquatic macrophyte wateshield on local lakes and to update information on fish populations.

Walleye abundance of 0.5 per gillnet lift had decreased since 2002 (0.8) and was still considered below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size of 19.8 inches was large and growth was fast. Age analysis revealed five year-classes represented from 2000 through 2005.

Northern pike abundance of 1.5 per gillnet lift had decreased since 2002 (2.7) and was still considered below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size of 24.0 inches was considered large and growth was typical. Age analysis revealed all year-classes from 2003 through 2007 were represented.

Yellow perch, which had been sampled by gillnet from all previous investigations, were not sampled during the 2009 lake survey. Young-of-the-year and older yellow perch were sampled from seining conducted in 2009.

Black crappie abundance of 1.1 per trapnet lift had decreased since 2002 (2.2) and had fallen to below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size of 7.3 inches was considered average and growth was slow. Age analysis revealed all year-classes from 2001 through 2007 were represented with a relatively strong 2005 year-class.
Bluegill abundance of 19.0 per trapnet lift was greater than 2002 (11.0) but still considered typical compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size of 4.4 inches was small and growth was slow. Age analysis revealed consistent recruitment with all year-classes represented from 1999 through 2007 and a very strong 2007 year-class.
Other fish species sampled include bowfin, Johnny darter, golden shiner, pumpkinseed sunfish, white sucker and yellow bullhead.

Information was collected on aquatic vegetation, substrate and water quality. Diversity of aquatic plants was typical with 30 species or species groups identified along 10 transects. Watershield, which was identified at 100% of the transects, was the most frequently identified plant. Arrowhead group, sedge group, spikerush group and yellow waterlily group were also identified at greater than 60% of the transects. Lakeshore residents around Cross Lake have reported a dramatic increase in the distribution and density of watershield in recent years. In response, a special assessment of watershield was completed in conjunction with the 2009 survey. An aerial photography analysis revealed that in 2003, 13.2 acres of Cross Lake was covered with watershield. In 2009, 24.1 acres were covered with watershield, a 45% increase from 2003. It is suspected that low alkalinity as well as longer, warmer growing seasons are contributing factors to the increase in watershield abundance. Other lakes in the Duluth Area (Sand in Carlton County and Cooks in St. Louis County) with similar water chemistry are experiencing increases in the abundance of watershield. The most common substrate type was sand, which was identified at 90% of the transects. All other substrate types identified had frequencies of occurrence less than 50%. Results of laboratory water analysis indicate Cross is a slightly acidic (pH 6.4), soft water lake (alkalinity 5 ppm) with good fertility (total phosphorus 0.032).

What is the average air temp for Cross Lake?

Are there any state parks near Cross Lake?