About this lake
South Cross Lake is reached from Caddy Lake by paddling through the historic CPR rail tunnel, a trip that draws sightseers as well as anglers. The government's 2022 assessment highlighted walleye, black crappie and yellow perch, with trophy-potential ratings for each. It shares the Area A rule requiring release of all walleye over 45 cm.
🏆 Trophy catches
The biggest documented fish caught here, from the Manitoba Master Angler record book.
44″ Northern Pike
Mike Siwak · July 31, 2010
111.8 cm
44″ Northern PikeReleased
Marcel Cretain · June 25, 2005
111.8 cm
43″ Northern PikeReleased
Cliff Dyrkacz · August 08, 1996
109.2 cm
29.5″ Walleye
Roger Bouchard · September 19, 1992
74.9 cm
27.56″ WalleyeReleased
Wendy Holm · June 30, 2004
70.0 cm
20″ Smallmouth BassReleased
Andre Birkle · June 03, 2023
50.8 cm
20″ SuckerReleased
Robert Harrow · November 07, 2021
50.8 cm
19.5″ Smallmouth BassReleased
Jonathan Wichers · June 06, 2015
49.5 cm
19″ Smallmouth BassReleased
Thomas Steinbeck · July 01, 2009
48.3 cm
Source: Manitoba Master Angler record book (anglers.travelmanitoba.com)
Where it is
📍 South Cross Lake · Eastern
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.
Yellow Perch
- Limit
- 25
- Size
- No size restriction (provincially)
- 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 23, 2023
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 31, 2022
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 17, 2021
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 20, 2020
Walleye · Fry
400,000
May 31, 2019
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 28, 2019
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 25, 2018
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 21, 2015
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 21, 2015
Walleye · Fry
100,000
May 21, 2015
Walleye · Fry
100,000
Jun 2, 2014
Walleye · Fry
400,000
Jun 1, 2013
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 29, 2009
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 22, 2008
Walleye · Fry
500,000
May 17, 2007
Walleye · Fry
600,000
May 26, 2004
Walleye · Fry
500,000
May 16, 2003
Walleye · Fry
500,000
May 19, 1999
Walleye · Fry
250,000
May 10, 1998
Walleye · Fry
300,000
May 23, 1997
Walleye · Fry
250,000
May 26, 1996
Walleye · Fry
200,000
May 20, 1994
Walleye · Fry
200,000
22 stocking events · Source: Manitoba Waterbody Stocking Records, Manitoba Wildlife and Fisheries Branch (open.canada.ca)