Cross Lake Fishing Tips in Crosslake, Minnesota
Expert tips for catching walleye, bass, and northern pike on Cross Lake and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
⭐ 5.0 Rated • Local Crosslake Fishing Guide • Whitefish Chain Expert
Serving Crosslake, MN and the entire Whitefish Chain of Lakes
Cross Lake offers anglers excellent opportunities to catch walleyes, bass, northern pike, crappie, and panfish within the Whitefish Chain.
Anglers looking to learn the lake faster or improve their chances of success can book a trip with The Fish Guyd Guide Service, which guides anglers throughout the Whitefish Chain and the Brainerd Lakes region.
Resorts Nearby
Boyd Lodge
Clamshell Beach Resort
Whitefish Lodge and Suites
Nearby Lakes
Rabbit Lake
Serpent Lake
Ruth Lake
Pelican Lake
Edward Lake
Roosevelt Lake
Mission Lake
Farm Island Lake
Species We Target
Walleye
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Panfish
Cross Lake Fishery Summary
Cross Lake Reservoir is one of the largest lakes on the famous Whitefish Chain of Lakes and sits near the town of Crosslake in Crow Wing County. The lake covers approximately 1,815 acres and provides excellent fishing opportunities within one of the most popular lake chains in the Brainerd Lakes region.
Cross Lake reaches depths of about 84 feet and contains roughly 879 acres of littoral habitat, creating ideal spawning and feeding areas for many gamefish species. Water clarity typically averages around 16 feet, supporting aquatic vegetation and healthy fish habitat.
As part of the Whitefish Chain, Cross Lake connects with several other lakes in the system, allowing fish movement and creating a diverse fishery for anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Cross Lake Survey Information
Walleye
Walleyes are stocked into Cross Lake annually as fry and every even year with fingerlings.
Survey results showed:
Catch rate: 2.3 walleyes per gill net
Average length: 17.2 inches
59% measured 14 inches or larger
Largest sampled fish: 28.2 inches
Variable year classes are common in many walleye fisheries, and Cross Lake is no exception.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are abundant in Cross Lake.
Catch rate: 14.6 per gill net
Average length: 20.5 inches
Only 7% of fish measured 26 inches or larger
Largest sampled fish: 33.3 inches
High numbers of smaller fish can slow growth rates, so anglers are encouraged to harvest smaller pike under 22 inches.
Cross Lake follows the North Central Zone northern pike regulations:
Possession limit of 10 pike
No more than 2 fish over 26 inches
All fish between 22–26 inches must be released
Largemouth Bass
Bass populations across the Whitefish Chain remain strong.
Electrofishing catch rate: 44.9 fish per hour
Average length: 13.1 inches
39% measured over 14 inches
Fish up to 19.2 inches
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are present in smaller numbers.
Recent sampling showed:
Fish over 16 inches
Black Crappie
Crappie fishing can provide good opportunities.
27% of fish measured 10 inches or larger
Largest sampled fish: 12.9 inches
Bluegill
Bluegill numbers were average.
Catch rate: 26.5 per trap net
Average length: 5.2 inches
12% measured 7 inches or larger
Larger bluegills may move offshore during summer and may not always appear in surveys.
Yellow Perch
Catch rate: 2.3 per gill net
Average length: 7.2 inches
28% measured 8 inches or larger
Largest sampled fish: 11.5 inches
Perch serve as an important forage species for larger predators.
Cisco (Tullibee) and Lake Whitefish
Tullibee and lake whitefish were sampled in low numbers.
Average tullibee length: 12.1 inches
One lake whitefish measured 17.9 inches
These species are important forage fish within the Whitefish Chain ecosystem.
Cross Lake Fishing Tips
Proven Cross Lake fishing tips for targeting walleye, bass, and northern pike in Crosslake, Minnesota, with seasonal strategies to consistently catch more fish on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
Spring Fishing
(Water Temps: 38–55°F)
Spring fishing begins shortly after ice-out when fish move shallow to feed and spawn.
Best Spring Areas
Wind-blown shorelines
Shallow sand flats
Channel areas between lakes
Emerging weed beds
Spring Techniques
Jigging with minnows along shallow breaks
Slip bobber fishing for crappies
Casting shallow crankbaits
Recommended Lures
1/8–3/8 oz jigs with fathead minnows
Slip bobbers with leeches
Shallow crankbaits
Trophy Walleye
Summer Fishing
(Water Temps: 60–75°F)
During summer, fish often relate to structure and deeper water.
Best Summer Areas
Mid-lake humps
Weedlines in 12–18 feet
Rock points and shoreline breaks
Basin edges holding baitfish
Summer Techniques
Live bait rigging for walleyes
Spinner harness trolling
Pitching plastics for bass
Recommended Lures
Lindy rigs with crawlers
Spinner harnesses
Texas-rigged plastics
Ned rigs or drop-shot rigs
eater Walleyes
Fall Fishing
(Water Temps: 40–60°F)
Fall fishing improves as predator fish feed aggressively before winter.
Best Fall Areas
Rock reefs and steep breaks
Remaining weed beds
Basin edges where baitfish concentrate
Fall Techniques
Jigging large minnows
Casting crankbaits along rocky shorelines
Vertical jigging structure
Recommended Lures
Jig and minnow combinations
Blade baits
Deep diving crankbaits
Suspending jerkbaits
Client with 2
Big Smallmouth Bass
Winter Fishing (Ice Fishing)
Cross Lake provides solid winter fishing opportunities within the Whitefish Chain.
Best Winter Areas
Basin edges in 18–30 feet
Suspended crappies over deep water
Weedlines in 10–15 feet
Winter Techniques
Jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads
Deadstick rods with live minnows
Tip-ups along weed edges for pike
Recommended Ice Lures
Jigging spoons
Jigging raps
Tungsten jigs with waxworms
Tip-ups with sucker minnows
Winter Northern Pike
and Whitefish
Trophy Cross Lake Area Fish
We guide fishing trips throughout Crosslake, Minnesota and across the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, covering a wide range of species and fishing styles. If you have questions about a specific lake or targeting a certain type of fish, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help. Our trips are fully customizable, and we’ll work with you to create the perfect experience based on your goals, skill level, and group size. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a family outing, or a larger group trip requiring multiple boats and guides, we can accommodate it. Our goal is to make your Crosslake fishing trip easy, comfortable, and focused on putting you on more fish.
Interested in Booking?
Frequently ASked Questions
Have questions about fishing in Crosslake, Minnesota? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about guided trips, local lakes, and what to expect on the water.
Q: What fish can you catch in Crosslake, Minnesota?
A: The Crosslake area and Whitefish Chain are known for walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish like crappie and bluegill. These lakes offer excellent multi-species fishing throughout the season.
Q: When is the best time to fish in Crosslake?
A: Fishing can be great all season, but some of the best times are spring (May–June) and fall when fish are most active. Summer also offers consistent opportunities, especially early morning and evening.
Q: What lakes do you guide on near Crosslake?
A: We guide on Cross Lake and throughout the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, including Rush Lake, Whitefish Lake, Big Trout Lake, and other connected waters, along with nearby Brainerd area fisheries when conditions are best.
Q: Do I need a fishing license for guided trips?
A: Yes, a valid Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. These can be purchased online or at local bait shops before your trip.
Q: What is included in a guided fishing trip?
A: All rods, reels, bait, tackle, and top-quality electronics are provided. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and your fishing license—we’ll take care of the rest..
Q: Are trips good for beginners or kids?
A: Absolutely. Our trips are family-friendly and designed for all skill levels, from first-time anglers to experienced fishermen looking to target trophy fish.
Q: How long are fishing trips?
A: Trip lengths can vary depending on your preference, but most guided trips are half-day or full-day options. We can customize the experience to fit your schedule.
Q: Where do we meet for the trip?
A: We will meet at the best boat launch based on current fishing conditions. This ensures you’re starting in the most productive area for the day.
Q: Can we keep the fish we catch?
A: Yes, you can keep fish within Minnesota regulations. We’re happy to help clean your catch so you can enjoy a fresh meal after your trip.
Q: How do I book a fishing trip in Crosslake?
A: The easiest way is to click the “Book Your Crosslake Fishing Trip” button on this page or contact us directly. We’ll help you find the best date and plan your trip.