Crawford Lake

Among the waters in Forest County, Crawford Lake is listed as a lake with verified water details of about 21 acres and a maximum depth of 20 feet, which gives you a much better starting point than trying to read too much into a satellite view.

A plain-English look at the water

My first day here would stay uncomplicated by checking the best bank cover, any obvious weeds, and the deepest water I can reach and once one type of water shows life, I would look for more of the same.

What the fish list tells you

The exact-water list for Crawford Lake includes Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Walleye, and Yellow Perch; and I would let that list point me toward weeds, wood, rock, or docks for bass and points, breaks, and wind-pushed edges for walleye, and avoid chasing a totally different kind of fishing without a reason.

Where I would start

If I had never seen Crawford Lake before, I would keep the trip flexible enough to move, but not so restless that I never learn a spot, then I would verify any special water rules before deciding what can go in the cooler.