Third Crow Wing Lake

The LakeGrade rubric puts Third Crow Wing Lake at a C: clarity at 2.5 ft, 21 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 56 signal an intermediate trophic state. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. Third Crow Wing Lake reaches 35 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. At 643 acres, Third Crow Wing Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 7.2 miles of shoreline. Third Crow Wing Lake ranks 75 of 77 in Hubbard County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

Third Crow Wing Lake has at least one documented invasive species (faucet snail), so boaters and anglers should observe clean-drain-dry steps when leaving the lake. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 18 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. Ice-out has been recorded 13 times at Third Crow Wing Lake, with a median around Apr 18. Monitoring depth is thin here: the LakeGrade rubric is applied to a small number of sample years, and the grade will be revised as more data accumulates.