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)
39°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SSE).
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
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.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 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
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
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.