Crescent

Crescent Lake is a medium sized, 755-acre lake in Cook County with a maximum depth of 28 ft. There is a concrete boat access and U.S. Forest service campground located on the northwest side of the lake just off Forest Road 165. Crescent Lake is primarily managed for walleye and muskellunge. In 2024, a standard survey was conducted using gillnets and trap nets to assess the fish community and update information on current management species. Walleye catch rates were similar to previous surveys and fell within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Walleye lengths ranged from 9.3 to 26.2 inches and averaged 13.8 inches. Otoliths collected from walleye revealed 14 naturally reproduced age classes and indicated that growth was slow, taking six years to reach 15.0 inches. A total of 50 walleye were caught during the survey and 29% were longer than 15.0 inches. Anglers looking to target eater-sized walleye should have fair success fishing on Crescent Lake. Crescent lake provides a unique opportunity to target muskellunge within Cook County. Shoepack strain muskellunge were originally stocked in the late 1970's and since have naturalized within the lake. The muskellunge catch rate was below the long-term average for the lake; however, it may still be a productive fishery since muskellunge are not sampled well in standard gillnets. Muskellunge lengths ranged from 23.4 to 31.1 inches and averaged 29.6 inches. Aging results revealed it took muskellunge about seven years to grow to 30 inches in Crescent Lake. Additionally, tiger muskellunge have been documented in the last two surveys on Crescent Lake. Natural hybridization of northern pike and muskellunge (i.e. tiger muskellunge) is a rare occurrence in the wild and thus, provides a unique fishery in Crescent Lake. Anglers looking to target muskellunge can expect to catch higher numbers of smaller fish, which is common in lakes with Shoepack strain muskellunge. Catches of northern pike were low in Crescent Lake as only one fish was caught during the survey. Smallmouth bass catch rates were also low at 0.5 fish/net, but similar to previous surveys. Smallmouth bass size structure was poor as the largest fish sampled was only 13.7 inches. Yellow perch catches were similar to previous surveys, and likely provide forage for both walleye and muskellunge. Yellow perch averaged 6.9 inches; however, only the largest yellow perch found would be of any interest to anglers. Additionally, no significant changes to the white sucker population were observed during the survey. Minnesota Lakes within Cook County continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions to these pristine waters within this part of the state.

Crescent Lake is currently managed for walleye and muskellunge, and has a reputation for producing fairly high numbers of small walleye. Smallmouth bass were first found in the lake in the late 1990s, and have complicated walleye fishing since. The current lake management plan (2010) established a long range goal for walleye of a minimum gill net catch of 6.0 fish/set. The goal for the muskellunge population was a minimum gill net catch of 1.0 fish/set, with some fish over 30 inches present. The 2014 survey was to have been the second of three intended to monitor walleye and muskellunge populations and determine whether the introduction of smallmouth bass had an adverse effect on walleye, muskellunge, or yellow perch in this lake. The first survey (in 2011) was canceled due to a lack of staff and funding. As has usually been the case in this lake, walleye were fairly abundant, but small, in 2014. The number of walleye caught per gill net met the long range goal from the lake management plan and was above average for this type of lake; however, the catch was low for this lake historically. Mean individual weight for walleye taken in gill nets was the second highest for the lake historically, and was above average for the lake class. Walleye have not been stocked in Crescent Lake since 1976, so all walleye found in 2014 were naturally produced. Ten year classes were identified in the sample: 2002, and 2004-2012. No year class stood out as exceptionally strong, but the catch was dominated by two- three-, and four-year-old fish. Walleye growth rates had been close to average for the lake class. Muskellunge were fairly abundant in Crescent Lake in 2014, and many were larger than 30 inches; however, there was very little chance of catching a 'legal' size fish in this lake. Muskellunge were introduced in Crescent Lake in the late 1970s, and have been self-sustained since that time. Unfortunately, muskellunge stocked in Crescent Lake were Shoepack-strain fish with very limited potential for producing large fish. The 2014 muskellunge catch met management goals for the species in this lake, and included fish as large as 40 inches. Very few larger fish have ever been seen or reported from Crescent Lake, or any other lake in Cook County. The 2014 catch was similar, in terms of number and size of fish taken, to catches seen in every assessment of Crescent Lake since 1993. Mean weight of gill netted muskellunge ranked well above the median for the lake class. Two gillnetted fish were considered to be tiger musky based on color and pattern. A few northern pike were also present in Crescent Lake in 2014, but northern pike numbers have been low since muskellunge became established in the lake. Smallmouth bass were first caught in assessment nets in 1999. They were probably more abundant in 2014 than catches in gill and trap nets would indicate. The 11 bass taken in 2014 had grown slowly. Yellow perch abundance was high in 2014, but most were too small to have been of much interest to anglers. Growth rates of perch appeared to have started out slow and to have gradually improved as the fish aged. The number of white sucker caught in 2014 was the lowest seen in this lake historically, although it was within the usual range for the lake class. The average size of white sucker was also the lowest in the lake's assessment history. Small-mesh (0.25-inch) trap nets used in this survey caught a few small pumpkinseed sunfish and numerous golden shiners. Additional small species have been caught in previous surveys and are likely still present in the lake. Small-mesh trap nets also collected average numbers of young-of-year yellow perch, and high numbers of young-of-year white sucker. No young-of-year walleye were captured.

The gill-net catch of walleye was low for the lake but above average for the lake class. Mean weight of walleye in gill nets was higher than it had been in any previous assessment of Crescent Lake, and was above average for the lake class. Walleye have not been stocked since 1976, so all were naturally produced. Ten year classes were identified, indicating consistent natural reproduction. Growth rates of walleye had been close to the average for the lake class.Muskellunge appeared to be somewhat less abundant, but larger, than in most recent assessments, but none exceeded the minimum legal length. Stocking ended after 1979, so all were naturally produced.This was the third assessment that collected smallmouth bass; it produced the highest gill-net and trap-net catches so far. Bass were more abundant, but smaller, than the average for the lake class. Growth had been slower than the average for the area.Northern pike have not been abundant since muskellunge were introduced, but they grow quickly.The gill-net catch of yellow perch was among the higher catches for both the lake and the lake class, but average size was small. The growth rate of perch had been close to the average for the area.The number of white sucker caught in gill nets was typical of catches in previous assessments in this lake and similar lakes. Mean weight in this assessment was fairly low for the lake and lake class.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass in Crescent. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Crescent. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Crescent has a maximum depth of 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Crescent is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Crescent in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.