Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Crystal Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Visit Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known for offering the best Walleye fishing and Muskie fishing in the Midwest. With 195 miles of shoreline and 112,835 acres to explore, both professional fishermen and family fishing trips alike are sure to enjoy a successful day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Crystal Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal Lake, MN
- How big is Crystal Lake?
- How deep is Crystal Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Crystal Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Crystal Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Crystal Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Crystal Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Crystal Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Crystal Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Crystal Lake?
How big is Crystal Lake?
How deep is Crystal Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Crystal Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Crystal Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Crystal Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Crystal Lake?
Are there boat launches on Crystal Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Crystal Lake?
Explore the Crystal Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Crystal Lake is located five miles southeast of Akeley on the border of Cass and Hubbard Counties. Crystal has a surface area of 190 acres and a maximum depth of 40 feet. A state owned public access is located on the south shore of the lake. The access is shallow and sandy which might be difficult for larger boats. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Crystal Lake is in lake class 35. Class 35 lakes generally have a very high percentage of littoral area (depths less than 15 feet), with very irregularly shaped shoreline. Other class 35 lakes in the Park Rapids area include: Frontenac, Middle Crooked, Pickerel and Waboose.
Walleye abundance has been consistent in previous years, and well above similar lakes. Many Walleyes are a great size for anglers of 14-18 inches, with a number of smaller fish for the future. The average length was 13 inches, with the largest sampled at 24 inches. Yellow Perch are important forage for Walleyes and Northern Pike, and the numbers were in line with similar lakes. Perch had an average size of 8.5 inches and fish sampled up to 10.5 inches.
Largemouth Bass were sampled in comparable numbers to previous years, but much higher than other similar lakes. Most fish were small at 8-10.5 inches but fish up to 17.5 inches were sampled.
Angling opportunities for panfish include Black Crappie, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed. Black Crappie numbers were in line with similar lakes, and most fish were 7.5-9 inches. Bluegills and Pumpkinseeds were sampled in higher numbers than recent years, and most fish were 5.5-8 inches.
Currently no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Crystal. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.
What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?
Are there any state parks near Crystal Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Crystal Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Williams Lake | 1.2 mi | 98 | 34 ft |
| Tripp Lake | 2.4 mi | 29 | 0 ft |
| Island Lake | 2.6 mi | 78 | 46 ft |
| Island Lake | 2.6 mi | 78 | 46 ft |
| Little Bass Lake | 3.2 mi | 114 | 16 ft |
| Jackpine Lake | 3.3 mi | 160 | 6 ft |
| Variety Lake | 3.5 mi | 160 | 29 ft |
| Howard Lake | 3.8 mi | 386 | 60 ft |
| Ten Mile Lake | 4.4 mi | 5,080 | 208 ft |
| Shingobee Lake | 4.7 mi | 172 | 40 ft |
