The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Crane Lake
St. Louis County, Minnesota · about 2,820 acres (4.4 sq mi)
41°F water, level 1116 ft, calm this morning.
About Crane Lake
In St. Louis County, Minnesota, Crane Lake covers about 2,820 acres; it is a natural lake. Crane Lake sits at the southern entrance to Voyageurs National Park and the western entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
From end to end it runs about 4.2 miles with roughly 25 miles of shoreline. At about 1,120 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Ely lies about 37 miles to the southeast.
- Size
- About 2,820 acres (4.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 25 miles
- End to end
- About 4.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,120 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- St. Louis County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Crane Lake
Crane Lake holds walleye and smallmouth bass. At 41°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
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 7:14 am · sunset 4:33 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Crane Lake
- Elyabout 37 mi southeast
- Babbittabout 45 mi southeast
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Questions about Crane Lake
What fish are in Crane Lake?
Crane Lake holds walleye and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Crane 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 Crane Lake?
About 2,820 acres, with about 25 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Crane Lake?
Ely is about 37 miles southeast; Babbitt is about 45 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Crane Lake today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Crane Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
