Crane

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Crane Lake on August 20th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 72.2 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 25.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 21.1 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 20.3 degrees C (68.5 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Crane Lake during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). Three surveys just outside the late summer period in late August 2006, 2011, and 2021 also indicated marginal or unsuitable habitat for Lake Whitefish. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Crane Lake on August 20th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 72.2 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 25.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 21.1 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 20.3 degrees C (68.5 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Crane Lake during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). Three surveys just outside the late summer period in late August 2006, 2011, and 2021 also indicated marginal or unsuitable habitat for Lake Whitefish. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Crane Lake on August 20th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 72.2 feet), the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 25.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 21.1 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 20.3 degrees C (68.5 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Crane Lake during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). Three surveys just outside the late summer period in late August 2006, 2011, and 2021 also indicated marginal or unsuitable habitat for Lake Whitefish. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

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

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

Crane has a maximum depth of 80 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Crane is from 2021.

Yes — Crane has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Crane, covering walleye and sauger. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.