A 802-Acre All-Sports Lake in Indiana's Northern Lakes Region
Why Rent On Crooked Lake
Crooked Lake in Steuben County sits five miles north of Angola in Indiana’s Northern Lakes Natural Area, one of the densest concentrations of natural lakes in the entire state. At 802 acres with a distinctive gourd-like shape, this all-sports lake is open for boating, kayaking, waterskiing, and fishing, with trophy largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish drawing anglers throughout the season.
Lakehouses and Waterfront Rentals for Every Group
Vacation rentals on Crooked Lake include a wide range of lakefront homes and cozy cabins, many with private docks, beautiful lake views, and outdoor living spaces that make you want to spend the whole day outside. Pet-friendly options are available, and the residential character of the shoreline gives renters a genuine sense of belonging to the lake community for the duration of their stay.
All-Sports Water Action and a Nighttime Carp Rodeo
Boating, kayaking, and waterskiing are the main water draws, and the lake’s size and open layout make it well-suited for all of them. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. The annual nighttime carp rodeo is one of the lake’s most entertaining and unusual traditions, drawing participants and spectators who find the event genuinely hard to forget.
Angola, Museums, and Sandy Beach Access
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, less than 30 minutes away, is one of Indiana’s finest museums and a surprisingly great family outing. Steuben County Park on the southeastern shore provides a public boat ramp and campsites for those who want to stay even closer to the water. Sandy beach areas and private swimming spots like those at Lil’ Nauti on Crooked are perfect for younger kids.
Northern Indiana Lakes Country at Its Best
Crooked Lake is one of dozens of beautiful natural lakes in Steuben County, but its size, all-sports designation, and strong fishing make it one of the most rewarding to base a full vacation around. A lakefront rental here gives your family the access, the space, and the lake life experience that is simply impossible to replicate in a hotel.
- Surface area (mi)
- 2.02
- Max depth (ft)
- 109.91
- Elevation (ft)
- 987.53
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 4.03
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
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Marinas on Crooked Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Crooked Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Crooked Lake, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. The lake’s water is tested weekly for E. coli levels from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Crooked Lake is a popular destination because of its calm and clear waters, ideal for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding forests and trails offer excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying natural beauty. Public boat launches and local marinas provide easy access for water activities.
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For Crooked Lake in Indiana, the daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. For black bass, the limit is 5 fish with a minimum size of 14 inches, but no fish between 12 to 15 inches can be kept, and only two fish over 15 inches are allowed. For bluegill, there is no minimum size and the daily bag limit is unlimited, except in some specific areas.
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The Crooked Lake Park & Beach in Coon Rapids is best for families. It features a swimming beach, two fishing piers, great play equipment for kids, and lots of benches for sitting. The beach has soft, white sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles.
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Near Crooked Lake in Cass County, the closest towns include Longville, Minnesota. This area is part of Crooked Lake Township, which is located in rural Cass County.
For the Crooked Lake in Crow Wing County, nearby towns are Garrison, Deerwood, and Crosby, Minnesota. These towns are situated around the lake in central Minnesota.
