Manitoba · Canada
South Cross 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.
- Region
- Manitoba, Canada
- Nearest community
- West Hawk Lake
- Regulation zone
- North Central Division
Species in South Cross Lake
Tap a species for Bump Board's full tactics guide.
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 |
| Yellow Perch | Open year-round (all divisions; waterbody-specific closures apply) | 25 | No size restriction (provincially) |
| Black Crappie | Open year-round (all divisions; waterbody-specific closures apply) | 6 | None may exceed 35 cm |
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)
- Black Crappie — minimum 33 cm (13 in)
- Yellow Perch — minimum 33 cm (13 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.