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 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?

Crystal Lake is a 1,317-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County, approximately six miles northeast of Pelican Rapids, MN. Crystal Lake is part of the Otter Tail River Watershed. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Crystal Lake is connected to Lizzie Lake by a navigable culvert under County Road 31. The maximum depth is 55 feet; however, 51% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2023 survey was 17.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 5.3 to 10.0 feet.
The northwest, south, and east shorelines of Crystal Lake have been extensively developed with homes and cabins. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located along the west shoreline off of County Road 31. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel with muck being the dominant substrate in the bays. Large stands of hardstem bulrush are scattered throughout the lake, while cattails are prevalent in the bays. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattails provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms and can absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted in 2023 to analyze the Northern Pike and Walleye populations.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction rates are consistently high. As a result, Northern Pike size structure and growth rates continue to be poor. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13.3 to 26.9 inches with a mean length and weight of 20.1 inches and 1.7 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 23.5 inches at five years of age.
Walleye abundance has remained stable at a moderate level over the recent series of surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.1 to 21.1 inches with an average length and weight of 14.0 inches and 1.1 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.3 inches at four years of age.
A reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (10 per day) was implemented in 2022. The objective of the regulation is to maintain the quality of the Bluegill size structure. A special spring trapnetting survey was conducted in 2022 to collect baseline data on the Bluegill population, which will be used for regulation evaluation purposes in future surveys. The Bluegill population is extremely abundant and has a quality size structure. Sixty-three percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 34% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.9 inches at eight years of age.
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 the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
Crystal Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2009. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive 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.

What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?

Are there any state parks near Crystal Lake?