Crappie are available in the area lakes, however, they are definitely a secondary species of fish. Don’t expect to catch a lot of them consistently out here. You may run into a nice school of fish every once in a while and you may be able to find decent numbers of them when they are easier to find in the spring. However, this is definitely more of a walleye, smallmouth bass, pike and perch destination.
Crane Lake
Crane Lake is mostly known for its walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing. Anglers do well here for walleye and sauger and for those who target northern pike, you can catch some big fish if you put in the time. Some quality crappie and perch are available. Smallmouth bass are here in good numbers too.
Crane Lake Minnesota DNR Report
Sand Point Lake
Sand Point Lake is located on the border between Minnesota and the Province of Ontario and is part of the Namakan Reservoir, which also consists of Crane Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Little Vermilion Lake and Sand Point Lake. There is no road access to several of the lakes. Thus, anglers gain access by traveling by boat from road access points located on Crane or Kabetogama lakes.
Walleye are abundant in Sand Point Lake with a lot of nice eater-sized fish available. You can also find some very big northern pike in this lake with fish over 40 inches a possibility on this lake. Smallmouth bass, sauger, crappie, rock bass and perch are also available.
Namakan Lake
Namakan Lake is located on the border between Minnesota and the Province of Ontario and is part of the Namakan Reservoir, which also consists of Crane Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Little Vermilion Lake and Sand Point Lake. There is no road access to several of the lakes. Thus, anglers gain access by traveling by boat from road access points located on Crane or Kabetogama lakes.
The fishing is very good on Namakan Lake for a variety of fish. Walleye are abundant in the lake with a lot of good eater-sized fish. Northern pike are here as well and there are some very nice fish in Namakan Lake. Pike over 40 inches are possible on this lake. Some of the other fish include smallmouth bass, sauger, crappie, rock bass and perch.
Learn More About Crappie
Our crappie fishing section has tons of information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. Visit our crappie page to learn more.
