Crystal Lake

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 topographical lake maps available Crystal Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Crystal Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Crystal Lake

Are there boat launches on Crystal Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Crystal Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Crystal Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Crystal Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Crystal Lake?

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Crystal Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff from 7-9 August 2023. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sites with two sites sampled from the boat. A 50-foot seine was used to sample seven sites and soft sediments with abundant vegetation and deep water prevented the use of seines at three sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 11 native species of fish including two species that are tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish).

A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted on 7-9 August 2023 by IBI Program Staff. Twelve trap nets were set along the shoreline that encompassed multiple habitat types. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority of the trap net catch by number and Bluegill and Tiger Muskellunge comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was about the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 34 lakes and the average length was 5.5 inches, with 5% over 7 inches. The number of Black Crappie sampled per net was also about the 50% quartile for Lake Class 34 lakes and the average length was 8.0 inches with 8% (2 out of 24) over 10 inches.

The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a July 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. An additional survey was completed on Crystal Lake in in summer 2023 resulting in a similar FIBI score. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

Data from this survey indicates Crystal Lake is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to Lower Minnesota River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?