Manitoba · Canada
Cross 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.
- Region
- Manitoba, Canada
- Nearest community
- Cross Lake
- Size
- 755 km2
- Depth
- 12 m
- Regulation zone
- North Central Division
Species in Cross Lake
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Also stocked
Seasons & limits — North Central Division
| Species | Season | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye (Pickerel) & Sauger (either or combined) | 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. | 4 | None may exceed 55 cm |
| Northern Pike (Jackfish) | Open year-round (all divisions; waterbody-specific closures apply) | 4 | None may exceed 75 cm |
| Lake Whitefish | Open year-round (all divisions; waterbody-specific closures apply) | 10 | No size restriction (provincially) |
Always confirm regulations with the official provincial guide before fishing — rules change, and waterbody-specific exceptions apply.
Waterbody-specific rules
- Nelson River from Whitemud Falls (Cross Lake outlet) to Kelsey Generating Station closed to lake sturgeon fishing May 1 to Jun 15.
Manitoba Master Angler qualifying sizes
- Walleye — minimum 71 cm (28 in)
- Northern Pike — minimum 104 cm (41 in)
- Lake Whitefish — minimum 56 cm (22 in)
- Lake Trout — minimum 89 cm (35 in)
- Lake Whitefish — minimum 56 cm (22 in)
- Walleye — minimum 71 cm (28 in)
From the Manitoba Master Angler Program (Travel Manitoba).
More Manitoba lakes
Species & regulations: 2026 Manitoba Anglers' Guide, via the Bump Board dataset.