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The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Cranberry Lake

Benson County, North Dakota · about 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)

Caution

39°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SSE).

Water39°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today15 mphSSE
Best bite3:30 pmto 5:15 pm

About Cranberry Lake

Cranberry Lake is a lake in Benson County, North Dakota, covering about 1,800 acres.

From end to end it runs about 2.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 7.4 miles. Its surface is about 1,540 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Rugby, is about 18 miles northwest.

Size
About 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 7.4 miles
End to end
About 2.6 miles
Elevation
About 1,540 ft
County
Benson County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Fair

  • 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
  • 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph

Saturday Fair

  • 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 18 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

For a lake of this size in North Dakota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 39°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.

  • Fair
    Walleye

    Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.

  • Fair
    Northern pike

    Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Slow
    Smallmouth bass

    Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.

  • Fair
    Yellow perch

    Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Steep ledge

    A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

39°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 37° / —° 15 mph SSE Mostly Sunny
Saturday 42° / 23° 20 mph SSE Partly Sunny
Sunday 51° / 30° 15 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:43 am · sunset 5:02 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Cranberry Lake

  • Rugbyabout 18 mi northwest
  • Minnewaukanabout 23 mi east
  • Harveyabout 25 mi south

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Questions about Cranberry Lake

What fish are in Cranberry Lake?

Lakes like Cranberry Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Cranberry Lake?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is Cranberry Lake?

About 1,800 acres, with about 7.4 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Cranberry Lake?

Rugby is about 18 miles northwest; Minnewaukan is about 23 miles east.

What is the water temperature at Cranberry Lake today?

The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Cranberry Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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