First Crow Wing Lake

How big is First Crow Wing Lake?

How deep is First Crow Wing Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in First Crow Wing Lake?

What are the closest cities to First Crow Wing Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near First Crow Wing Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for First Crow Wing Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations First Crow Wing Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in First Crow Wing Lake?

First Crow Wing Lake is located in southern Hubbard County, seven miles east of the town of Hubbard. First Crow Wing is a shallow lake with a surface area of 522 acres and a maximum depth of 15 feet. Much of the shoreline on First Crow Wing is DNR wildlife management area and is undeveloped. Private homes and cabins are limited to the southern shore of the lake. First Crow Wing has abundant stands of both emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation such as wild rice, hardstem bulrush, and yellow water lilies. Large beds of wild rice are located on the north shoreline and are an important food source for waterfowl. A DNR access with a concrete ramp is located south of the lake on the Crow Wing River. An undeveloped access for carry-in craft is located on the northwest shore of the lake on a DNR Wildlife Management Area.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical and chemical characteristics. First Crow Wing is in lake class 39. Class 39 lakes are shallow lakes, with a high littoral zone (less than 15 feet in depth).

Northern Pike and Panfish are a popular choice for anglers year-around on First Crow Wing. Abundant Northern Pike spawning habitat of shallow submerged aquatic vegetation results in excellent reproduction and recruitment of Northern Pike in First Crow Wing. Northern Pike were sampled in very high numbers, well above the range typical for this lake class. Anglers will find lots of small, "hammer handle" Northern Pike in First Crow Wing. Sampled Northern Pike had an average length and weight of 21.6 inches and 2.5 pounds, with pike measured up to 34.7 inches.

Present and past surveys have shown First Crow Wing to support good Panfish populations composed of Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Black Crappie. Anglers will find good numbers of Bluegill and Pumpkinseed in the 6 to 8 inch size range and Black Crappie in the 9 to 12 inch size range. Largemouth Bass were sampled in low to moderate numbers when compared to other lakes in the Crow Wing chain. A quality Largemouth Bass population is present, with good numbers of larger bass (> 15.0 inches) sampled. Largemouth Bass up to 20.0 inches were sampled. First Crow Wing has good water quality, submerged and emergent vegetation that provides excellent habitat for Panfish and Largemouth Bass.

Walleye abundance (2.6 Walleye/gill net) was within the range typical for this lake class, but below the management goal of 4.0 Walleye/gill net. Despite stocking efforts, Walleye abundance has not reached the management goal in recent surveys. First Crow Wing is stocked with Walleye fingerlings during odd numbered years. The Yellow Perch population tends to run small in size, with few fish of an acceptable size for angling.

Other species sampled included high numbers of White Sucker, and moderate numbers of Yellow Bullhead, Shorthead Redhorse, Tullibee (Cisco), and Bowfin (Dogfish). Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, and Rock Bass were sampled in low numbers. Common Carp were not sampled in 2014, but have been sampled in low numbers in past surveys.

Anglers should be aware that faucet snails, and aquatic invasive species (AIS) are present in First Crow Wing. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.

What is the average air temp for First Crow Wing Lake?

Are there any state parks near First Crow Wing Lake?