Cross

Cross Lake is a lightly developed, 320-acre, class-35, lake located in southeastern Polk County with a history of winterkill. The most recent severe winterkill occurred in 1991, when virtually all fish species except bullhead were extirpated from the lake. However, a moderate winterkill also occurred in the winter of 2017-2018. A standard fisheries survey was completed in June 2022 to evaluate the status of the fish populations in Cross Lake. Survey results show that Cross Lake is still in recovery following the most recent partial winterkill. Anglers will likely encounter Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and bullheads, with a smaller chance of catching Walleye and Bluegill. The size of Northern Pike was respectable, with fish averaging almost 27 inches long and individuals over 40 inches also observed. Black Crappie had an average size of almost 11 inches long. Bluegill were primarily five inches long, but some fish up to nine inches were also measured. Walleye abundance was low, with fish averaging 17 inches long. Bullheads were the most abundant fish caught in nets, with their average size being around seven inches. Yellow Perch were present in low numbers with an average size of six inches. Common Carp and White Sucker were also collected in numbers similar to past surveys.

Cross Lake is a southeastern Polk County lake with a history of algal blooms and good fishing in between winterkills. Northern Pike, Brown Bullhead, and Walleye have historically been the primary species sought by anglers. Before the most recent series of severe winterkills in 1988, 1990, and 1991, anglers on the fishing pier were catching two to four pound Walleyes and one to two pound Brown Bullheads quite regularly. However, the 1991 winterkill eliminated nearly every species but bullheads, and even bullhead numbers were severely decreased. Nine years later, in 2000, Northern Pike rebounded to abundances that were more normal for this lake. Now, in 2014, the catch rate has increased even more and, in 2014, the catch rate was well above normal for this lake. Pike sampled by all gears ranged from 9.9 to 37.2 inches in length with an average of 21.8 inches. Walleye fry are stocked regularly and test net catches were strong in 2014. Cross Lake Walleyes grow quickly and sampled fish averaged over two pounds each. Five distinct year classes of Walleye were found, but the strongest was the 2011. Those young fish should provide good angling in the near future if they do not succumb to winterkill. Fry stocking appears to work best when bullhead numbers are down, as is currently the case. Although Bluegill and Black Crappie populations cannot be classified as abundant, record catch rates of Bluegills and Black Crappies were found in 2014. There were good sized fish of both species present and, even though many were young, they should also provide good fishing in the near future barring severe winterkill. Bullhead numbers were down markedly in 2014. Brown Bullheads were slightly more abundant and larger than Black Bullheads. High numbers of bullheads are typical for lakes subject to winterkill since these species are most tolerant of low dissolved oxygen. They tend to rebound quickly following winterkill since there are few competitors or predators. However, after several years without winterkill, game fish species can often overtake the bullhead populations. This appears to be happening in Cross Lake. In the past, the Fosston Community Sportsmen's Club and the Fosston Lion's Club operated aeration equipment in efforts to prevent winterkill from occurring in Cross Lake. A heavy winterkill in 1988 eliminated gamefish populations from the lake, even with aeration systems operating. Although no severe winterkill has occurred since 1991, light kills took place in 2001, 2004, and 2006. In addition, dissolved oxygen levels reached the critical mark in 2014, but no evidence of fish kill was found. It is clear from historical data that Cross Lake is ecologically suited for Northern Pike and bullhead. Although periodic winterkills have occasionally reduced or eliminated many fish populations, these species remain most abundant and able to sustain themselves. Walleye and panfish stocking following winterkills has provided additional fishing opportunities in Cross Lake.

Cross Lake is a southeastern Polk County lake with a history of algal blooms and good fishing in between winterkills. Northern pike, brown bullhead, and walleye have historically been the primary species sought by anglers. Before the most recent series of severe winterkills in 1988, 1990, and 1991, anglers on the fishing pier were catching two to four pound walleyes and one to two pound brown bullheads quite regularly. However, the 1991 winterkill eliminated nearly every species but bullheads, and even bullhead numbers were severely decreased. Nine years later, in 2000, northern pike rebounded to abundances that were more normal for this lake. Now, in 2007, the catch rate declined to the historic low of 2.3 pike per gill net. Pike sampled by all gears ranged from 18.19 to 32.28 inches in length with an average of 20.7 inches. Walleyes, stocked as fry in each odd year since the winterkill, were also present. Cross Lake walleyes grow quickly and average nearly three pounds each. For the most part, sampled walleyes were either two years of age or older than ten years with very few in between. Fry stocking appears to work best when bullhead numbers are down. There were at least two missing year classes of stocked walleyes from years when bullhead catch rates were extremely high. Although bluegill and black crappie populations cannot be classified as abundant, record catch rates of bluegills and black crappies were found in 2007. There were good sized fish of both species present and crappies, even though young, were very fast growing. They should provide good fishing in the near future if they do not succumb to low dissolved oxygen levels. Bullheads remain quite abundant. However, the black bullhead population declined markedly from the 2000 study. Brown bullheads were more abundant and larger than black bullheads. High numbers of bullheads are typical for lakes subject to winterkill since these species are most tolerant of low dissolved oxygen. They tend to rebound quickly following winterkill since there are few competitors or predators. In the past, the Fosston Community Sportsmen's Club and the Fosston Lion's Club operated aeration equipment in efforts to prevent winterkill from occurring in Cross Lake. A heavy winterkill in 1988 eliminated gamefish populations from the lake, even with aeration systems operating. Although no severe winterkill has occurred since 1991, light kills took place in 2001, 2004, and 2006. It is clear from historical data that Cross Lake is ecologically suited for northern pike and bullhead. Although periodic winterkills have periodically reduced or eliminated many species, these species remain most abundant and able to sustain themselves. Walleye and panfish stocking following winterkills has provided additional fishing opportunities in Cross Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, and Bluegill in Cross. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Cross has a maximum depth of 19 feet and a mean depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Cross is from 2022.

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