Cross Lake

How big is Cross Lake?

How deep is Cross Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Cross Lake?

What are the closest cities to Cross Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Cross Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Cross Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Cross Lake North

Cross Lake South

Are there places to eat and drink near Cross Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Cross Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Cross 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 Cross Lake?

Cross Lake is a fertile 943 acre lake located near the town of Pine City, MN in southern Pine County. The lake and its fish community are largely influenced by the Snake River that runs through the southern portion. The lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Muskellunge. Around 500 pounds of Walleye fingerlings and 500 Muskellunge fingerlings are stocked annually. The shore is predominantly sand and is highly developed especially the west shore. Public access is available on the river just west of the lake and on the east shore near the river outlet. Anglers on Cross Lake should expect moderate to high user pressure from both fishing and recreational boating.

Walleye catch rates have typically been low in Cross Lake despite substantial fingerling stocking from 1984 to 1991 and from 2001 to the present. Walleye sampled during this survey ranged from 9.4 to 11.0 inches. Mean weight, 0.4 pounds, was below average when compared to similar lakes.

Muskellunge are not sampled effectively during typical fish population assessments conducted during the summer. During 2009 a special assessment was conducted during the spring using large trap nets to target Muskellunge. A total of 47 Muskellunge were observed during the survey. Mean length of sampled fish was 44 inches and lengths ranged from 35.1 to 51.0 inches. Density was determined to be low, but if you catch one, the chances are that it will be large as 41 out of 47 fish were greater than 40 inches and 5 fish were greater than 50 inches.

The Northern Pike gill net catch of 0.7 per net was similar to the past two surveys in 2010 and 2005 and remained low when compared to similar lakes. Northern Pike caught in gill nets ranged from 13.5 to 33.4 inches with a mean of 23.0 inches. The mean weight of 3.2 pounds is above average. Catch rates of Northern Pike have typically been low in Cross Lake, with catch rates less than 1.2 fish per net in 7 of the last 9 surveys conducted since 1981.

Black Crappie catch rates were high when compared to similar lakes. Gill net catch rates have continued on an increasing trend over the last 30 years, while trap net catch rates don't show any apparent trend. White Crappie on the other hand were observed at historic lows during the 2014 survey at 0.2 per gill net. Some quality sized Black Crappie occur in Cross Lake, as many fish were greater than 8 inches and some fish over 10 inches were sampled. Only two White Crappie were caught during the survey and were 8 and 9 inches in length.

Bluegill catch rates in trap nets reached historic highs, but the 2014 catch rate of near 14 per net was still below average when compared to similar lakes. Bluegill mean weight was 0.33 pounds, which was greater than average and similar to the surveys conducted in 2005 and 2010. Keeper sized Bluegill were abundant during the survey, with fish between 6 and 8.5 inches making up 70 percent of the catch.

Yellow Perch were sampled at 5.8 fish per gill net, which is just below average when compared to similar lakes. Outside of the high Yellow Perch catch rates recorded during the 1995 and 2000 surveys, catch rates have been between 4 and 12 fish per net. Yellow Perch sampled in gill nets ranged from 5.3 to 9.2 inches with only 10 percent of the catch exceeding 8 inches.

Channel Catfish were sampled at 1.0 fish per gill net, which remains on the low end of observed catch rates. Lengths ranged from 9.8 to 30.0 inches with a mean weight at an historic high for Cross Lake of 5.3 pounds. While the current population appears to be low, a great angling opportunity exists for large fish, with over half of the fish sampled being greater than 26 inches.

Freshwater Drum catch rates in gill nets continue to be lower than the 25th percentile at 0.75 fish per net. However, trap net catch rates returned to greater than the 75th percentile. Catch rates have decreased during each survey since the high of almost 12 per gill net in 1987. Freshwater Drum averaged 13.6 inches and 0.55 pounds.

Two Lake Sturgeon were present in the gill nets. Other species sampled during the survey include White Sucker, Golden Redhorse, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Black Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle, and Softshell Turtle.

Quality fishing opportunities exist for multiple species in Cross Lake. At times fishing pressure on Cross Lake can be high and anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help maintain and improve the quality of Cross Lake's fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish will help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

Non-native invasive species of vegetation are present in Cross Lake. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed are both present, anglers and boaters should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of invasive species.

Some shorelines of Cross Lake are highly developed, which can put stress on the lake's aquatic habitat and ecosystem integrity. Environmentally friendly development practices, such as shoreline buffer strips of natural vegetation, are encouraged to help maintain and improve the water quality of Cross Lake. Also, if trees and branches have fallen in the water, consider leaving them where they are to provide important habitat for fish and wildlife that is often missing in highly developed lakes.

What is the average air temp for Cross Lake?

Are there any state parks near Cross Lake?