Cross Lake

Cross Lake near 45.8345, -92.9562 is a reservoir in Pine County, Minnesota. Cross Lake covers about 925 acres, reaches a recorded 32 feet and holds about 12,704 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Cross Lake Affect Fishing

Cross Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at Cross Lake

Fish reported from Cross Lake include black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Cross Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Cross Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Cross Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Cross Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Cross Lake

Spring around Cross Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around Cross Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Cross Lake

On a first trip to Cross Lake, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Useful Tackle for Cross Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Cross Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Cross Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 925-acre Cross Lake?

At Cross Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 32-foot deep end of Cross Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Cross Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 12,704 acre-foot storage figure mean at Cross Lake?

At Cross Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.