Cranberry Lake

If you are looking at Cranberry Lake, you are looking at a Shawano County lake with published numbers of about 21 acres and a maximum depth of 12 feet, which gives you a much better starting point than trying to read too much into a satellite view.

Size, depth, and the lay of the lake

The first trip does not need a giant tackle plan and I would make sure I actually fish the best bank cover, any obvious weeds, and the deepest water I can reach because the easiest way to waste a day is to keep moving without learning anything.

The fishery on paper

Recorded species at Cranberry Lake include Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch; which tells me to think about weeds and easy cover for panfish, and use the first few bites to narrow the plan.

My game plan

If I had a few hours to figure out Cranberry Lake, I would spend less time changing lures and more time noticing depth, cover, water color, and where bait is showing, then I would verify any special water rules before deciding what can go in the cooler.