Sybil Lake

How big is Sybil Lake?

How deep is Sybil Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sybil Lake?

What are the closest cities to Sybil Lake?

Are there boat launches on Sybil Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sybil Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Sybil Lake?

Sybil Lake is a 706-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately four miles south of Vergas, MN. Sybil Lake is connected to Loon Lake via an unnavigable inlet along the west shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Sybil Lake has a maximum depth of 74 feet; however, 60% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2021 survey was 16.3 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 10.8 to 18.0 feet.
Moderate development exists along the shoreline of Sybil Lake. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned public access is located on the south shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel with some areas of rubble. Emergent vegetation (common cattails and hardstem bulrush) is located primarily in the southwest basin. These areas provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality in the lake. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their important ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent angling this lake has to offer it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Sybil Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish-Walleye type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species present.
The Walleye population is abundant. Several strong year classes are present and should provide good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes ranged in length from 10.2 to 23.9 inches with an average length and weight of 16.2 inches and 1.6 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.1 inches at four years of age.
Northern Pike abundance is low to moderate. Northern Pike size structure has consistently remained poor. Pike ranged in length from 16.4 to 29.5 inches with an average length and weight of 20.0 inches and 1.1 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 21.6 inches at four years of age.
The Bluegill population is moderately abundant. A quality size structure exists as 51% of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 11% were 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.5 inches at seven years of age.
The Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie populations have also been historically abundant with excellent size structures, consistently good reproduction, and average growth.
The Minnesota state record Tullibee was caught from Sybil Lake in 2015. It weighed 5 pounds and 13 ounces.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Sybil Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2016. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. The non-native species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

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Are there any state parks near Sybil Lake?