Fifth Crow Wing Lake is located three miles southwest of Nevis in central Hubbard County. Fifth Crow Wing Lake is 400 acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet. A county-owned public access is located on the southwest shore of Sixth Crow Wing Lake, and access to Fifth Crow Wing Lake is gained through a short stretch of the Crow Wing River. Boats can travel through the river in the summer, but ice fishing is limited because of open water and no public access to Fifth Crow Wing. Fifth Crow Wing Lake provides angling opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and panfish. Fifth Crow Wing also has a special regulation for Northern Pike requires all northern pike from 24 36 inches to be immediately released. There is also a limited Tullibee population for fall sport netting.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Fifth Crow Wing is in lake class 31. Lake Class 31 lakes are generally regularly shaped and have very hard water. Other area lakes in this same classification include: Second Crow Wing, Sixth Crow Wing, Seventh Crow Wing, Eighth Crow Wing, Duck, Evergreen, Hattie, Hinds, Shingobee, Tripp and Lower Twin.
Walleye abundance has been consistent in previous years, and close to similar area lakes. Walleyes are a great size for anglers, with an average size of 16 inches and fish sampled up to 28 inches. The 2011 year class of Walleyes appears to be very abundant and should provide good fishing in the near future.
Anglers can expect to find an abundant population of Northern Pike, with the 2014 sample being the second highest on record. Northern Pike had an average size of 22.9 inches and weight of 2.7 pounds. A few fish over 30 inches were sampled, with the largest being 32.1 inches.
Yellow Perch are an important forage species for Walleyes and Northern Pike in Fifth Crow Wing. They were sampled in good numbers, but generally too small for angling.
Largemouth Bass were sampled in lower numbers than previous surveys. The size was very good, with an average length of 14.2 inches and fish sampled up to 20 inches.
Fifth Crow Wing has been a popular lake for panfish in recent years. Angling opportunities for panfish include Black Crappie, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed. Black Crappie numbers were low, but size was good with most fish from 9-11 inches in length. Bluegills and Pumpkinseeds were sampled in higher numbers than recent years, and most fish were 5-8 inches.
No aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Fifth Crow Wing Lake. 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.
