Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
About this lake
A 755 km2 lake on the Nelson River in north-central Manitoba, scientifically studied for the effects of hydroelectric regulation on its fishery. Research documented lake whitefish, walleye, northern pike and cisco populations. It sits downstream of Lake Winnipeg on the Nelson River system.
Size: 755 km2
Max depth: 12 m
🏆 Trophy catches
The biggest documented fish caught here, from the Manitoba Master Angler record book.
48″ Northern PikeReleased
Maggie Fehr · August 23, 2010
121.9 cm
46″ Northern Pike
Don Pausch · June 22, 2005
116.8 cm
45.75″ Northern PikeReleased
Dwight Fehr · August 23, 2010
116.2 cm
Source: Manitoba Master Angler record book (anglers.travelmanitoba.com)
Where it is
📍 Cross Lake · Northern
2026 Manitoba Anglers' Guide
Fishing regulations
North Central Division
Special rules for this waterbody
Nelson River from Whitemud Falls (Cross Lake outlet) to Kelsey Generating Station closed to lake sturgeon fishing May 1 to Jun 15.
Walleye (Pickerel) & Sauger (either or combined)
- Limit
- 4
- Size
- None may exceed 55 cm
- Season
- Southern Division: closed April 6, 2026 to May 8, 2026; open May 9, 2026 to April 4, 2027. Northwest Division: closed May 1 to May 15, 2026; open May 16, 2026 to April 30, 2027. North Central Division: closed May 1 to May 15, 2026; open May 16, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Northeast Division: generally open all year (waterbody-specific closures apply). Lake Winnipeg: walleye/sauger closed April 6 to May 15, 2026.
Northern Pike (Jackfish)
- Limit
- 4
- Size
- None may exceed 75 cm
- Season
- Open year-round (all divisions; waterbody-specific closures apply)
Source: 2026 Manitoba Anglers' Guide (gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/fish/angling-guide.pdf), Waterbody Specific Regulations pp. 18-23. Summaries only — confirm in the official guide.
Stocking history
May 16, 2024
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 19, 2021
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 28, 2008
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 27, 2007
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 22, 2005
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 26, 2004
Lake Whitefish · Fry
2,310,000
May 21, 2004
Lake Whitefish · Fry
4,000,000
May 17, 2004
Lake Whitefish · Fry
4,000,000
May 3, 2003
Lake Whitefish · Fry
750,000
May 10, 2001
Lake Whitefish · Fry
3,000,000
May 6, 2001
Lake Whitefish · Fry
5,000,000
May 3, 2001
Lake Whitefish · Fry
4,000,000
Apr 30, 1998
Lake Whitefish · Fry
5,000,000
Apr 29, 1998
Lake Whitefish · Fry
5,000,000
Apr 28, 1998
Lake Whitefish · Fry
5,000,000
May 30, 1997
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 7, 1997
Lake Whitefish · Fry
7,000,000
May 6, 1997
Lake Whitefish · Fry
8,000,000
May 5, 1997
Lake Whitefish · Fry
7,000,000
May 4, 1997
Lake Whitefish · Fry
8,000,000
Apr 19, 1996
Lake Whitefish · Egg
12,700,000
Apr 17, 1996
Lake Whitefish · Egg
17,750,000
May 25, 1994
Walleye · Fry
100,000
Apr 27, 1994
Lake Whitefish · Fry
10,000,000
Apr 10, 1994
Lake Whitefish · Fry
6,000,000
Apr 3, 1994
Lake Whitefish · Fry
5,000,000
Apr 27, 1993
Lake Whitefish · Fry
10,000,000
Apr 16, 1993
Lake Whitefish · Fry
8,000,000
Jul 6, 1983
Lake Trout · >1 year
8,634
Jun 13, 1972
Lake Trout · >1 year
10,000
May 19, 1969
Lake Trout · >1 year
50,000
Aug 28, 1967
Lake Trout · Fingerling
60,000
—
Lake Whitefish · Fry
7,300,000
—
Walleye · Fry
10,000,000
—
Walleye · Fry
16,500,000
—
Lake Trout · Fingerling
70,000
36 stocking events · Source: Manitoba Waterbody Stocking Records, Manitoba Wildlife and Fisheries Branch (open.canada.ca)