Lake guides · Whitefish Chain
Cross Lake
The lake at the dam and the town, with the clearest water on the chain's main route.
Cross Lake is the lake of the town. The city of Crosslake grew up around it, and the dam at the outlet holds the whole chain at its level. The DNR lists it as Cross Lake Reservoir: 1,815 acres, nearly 22 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 84 feet.
It is also one of the clearest lakes on the chain. Average clarity is about 16.5 feet, and a little under half the lake (47%) is 15 feet deep or less, so there is a good mix of weedy shallows and deep, clean water.
Where it sits on the chain
Cross Lake sits at the downstream end of the chain. Rush-Hen connects to it by channel, Daggett Lake opens off it through another channel, and Little Pine lies beyond Daggett. The dam at the outlet, with a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground beside it, is where water leaves the chain.
Owning on Cross Lake puts restaurants, shops and services within a short drive or boat ride, which matters for families who use the cabin as a second home rather than a weekend escape.
Fishing: what the DNR found
Cross Lake is stocked every year with walleye fry and with fingerlings in even years. In the 2024 survey walleye numbers were average (2.3 per net) but size was good: average length 17.2 inches, 59% at 14 inches or more, and fish up to 28.2 inches.
Northern pike are numerous, 14.6 per net, which usually means smaller fish; the average was 20.5 inches and only 7% reached 26 inches, though a 33-inch pike was netted. Expect lots of action on small and medium pike. Crappie are the better panfish bet here: 27% were 10 inches or longer, with fish to nearly 13 inches. Largemouth bass are strong chain-wide, with 39% over 14 inches in the 2024 electrofishing.
What it is like to own here
Cross Lake offers the most "in town" lake life on the chain: launches, a campground and the city close by. It also sees steady traffic, especially near the dam and the channels. Shoreline character changes a lot around the lake, so it pays to look at several lots before you decide what kind of frontage you want.
With clarity around 16 feet, sandy and rocky frontage shows beautifully here. Ask about dock depth and wave exposure, and look at the Corps of Engineers land near the dam, which stays public.
Getting on the water
Three public launches: two at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground by the dam (north shore of the bay north of the dam, and the east shore at the campground's northwest corner) and a DNR launch on the southwest side off West Shore Drive.
Rules every owner on the chain should know
- Panfish limits: since 2021 the Whitefish Chain has a special daily limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappie, to protect panfish size.
- Northern pike: the chain is in the DNR's north-central pike zone. All pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released right away, and you may keep no more than 2 over 26 inches (possession limit 10). Check the current regulations each season.
- Aquatic invasive species: zebra mussels are present in the chain. Before you leave any access, remove plants and animals from boats and trailers, pull the plug and drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait wells. Plan to check docks, lifts and boat hulls when equipment comes out each fall.
- Building, docks and septic: shoreland setbacks, impervious-surface limits, vegetation and septic rules are set by Crow Wing County. Confirm what a specific lot allows with the county before you buy or plan a project.
Buying on Cross Lake: what to check
- Shore slope and stairs. Deep lakes often mean steeper lots; walk from the cabin to the dock before you fall for the view.
- Bottom type at the waterline: sand, rock, or soft bottom with plants. It decides how you will use the shore.
- Which way the frontage faces and how exposed it is to wind and wakes; west-facing lots get the sunsets.
- Dock, lift and boat condition, including zebra mussel buildup, and what stays with the sale.
- Septic compliance, well, and what Crow Wing County allows for additions, garages or a new build on the lot.
Selling on Cross Lake
Lake homes sell on the water as much as on the house: frontage, bottom, depth off the dock, exposure and the view all move the price, and so does how the home is presented. If you are thinking about selling, start with a private valuation. It stays between us, and you decide how far the sale travels from there.
Questions about Cross Lake
How deep is Cross Lake?
Cross Lake reaches a maximum depth of 84 feet, according to the Minnesota DNR.
How big is Cross Lake?
The DNR lists it at 1,815 acres with 21.85 miles of shoreline.
Is there public access on Cross Lake?
Three public launches: two at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground by the dam (north shore of the bay north of the dam, and the east shore at the campground's northwest corner) and a DNR launch on the southwest side off West Shore Drive.
Are there zebra mussels in Cross Lake?
Yes. Zebra mussels are present in the Whitefish Chain, and boaters are required to clean, drain and dry their boats and trailers.
Can I get a private home valuation on Cross Lake?
Yes. David Olson of Whitefish Property Finder prepares private valuations for lake homes on the chain. Call or text 218.513.2677 or email david@whitefishpropertyfinder.com.