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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?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Crystal Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Crystal Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Crystal Lake area?
- 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?
- What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Crystal Lake?
How big is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is approximately 1,412 sq acres (5.7 sq km) in size.
How deep is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is approximately 55 feet (16.8 m) at its deepest point.
What kind of fish can you catch in Crystal Lake?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Walleye in Crystal Lake.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Crystal Lake?
Yes! There are fishing guides and charters for Crystal Lake and/or the surrounding area.
What are the closest cities to Crystal Lake?
Nearby cities and towns include Pelican Rapids, MN and Elizabeth, MN.
Are there places to stay in the Crystal Lake area?
Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! Crystal Lake and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
More Lodging Options
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Crystal Lake?
We know of 1 public boat launch on Crystal Lake. Please observe any specific lake regulations posted by the boat launch and please help keep the launch area free of litter.
Are there places to eat and drink near Crystal Lake?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What are the fishing regulations for Crystal Lake?
![Minnesota Department of Natural Resources](/images/DNR_logos/mn_dnr.png)
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.
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2021 Fleetwood Flair - "Frankie the Flair" - Family Friendly - 29 Feet
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Crystal Lake?
There are some aquatic invasive species found in Crystal Lake including zebra mussel.
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
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 2006 lake survey was 6.8 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.3 to 10.0 feet. The MN DNR has classified Minnesotas lakes into 43 different lake classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Crystal Lake is included in lake class 27; other area lakes in this same classification include Lizzie, Pelican, West Battle, Little McDonald, and Pickerel. 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. Shoal water substrates consist primarly of sand and gravel with muck being the dominant substrate in the bays. Large stands of hardstem bulrush are scattered throughout the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually 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. Crystal Lake can be ecologically classified as a walleye-centrachid type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. Walleye is a primary management species in this lake. The walleye test-net catch rate was within the expected range for similar lakes. Walleye test-net catch rates have consistently been within the normal range. Walleye ranged in length from 12.4 to 25.3 inches with an average length and weight of 17.4 inches and 1.8 pounds. Data from recent test-netting assessments indicates that limited walleye natural reproduction is occurring in Crystal Lake. To supplement the population produced from natural reproduction, the DNR stocks 674,000 walleye fry on a biennial basis. The northern pike test-net catch rate exceeded the expected range for similar lakes. Length data indicate that pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 9.8 to 34.5 inches with an average length and weight of 18.7 inches and 1.4 pounds. Data from recent surveys indicate that black crappie abundance and size distribution is good. Black crappie in the spring trapnetting assessment ranged in length from 6.8 to 11.7 inches. Sixty-six percent of the black crappie sample was at least 10.0 inches in length. Bluegill test-net catch rates have remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Sixteen percent of the bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length. The DNR does not stock any fish species other than walleye in Crystal Lake. The other species present are able to sustain their levels at or above management goals without stocking. This is an indication of the quality of fish habitat that is available. To maintain the excellent angling and water quality this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat. In 1998, the DNR constructed and placed forty smallmouth bass half-log nesting structures in Crystal Lake. These structures increased the availability of suitable nesting habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Crystal Lake 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.
What is the average air temp for Crystal Lake?
Looking forward to your next adventure at Crystal Lake? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 69°F (20°C) to a low around 45°F (7°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.
Are there any state parks near Crystal Lake?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 2 state parks in the vacinity of Crystal Lake.
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Crystal Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Crystal Lake.Have you been to Crystal Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
paul m.
![4 star rating](/images/yelp/yelp_stars/regular/regular_4.png)
I've caught many many walleye & tons of northerns on this lake for years, I think it is a super lake !
Reviewed Jul 13, 2008
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Crystal Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Twenty-one Lake | 1.4 mi | 142 | 47 ft |
Anderson Lake | 1.4 mi | 89 | 25 ft |
Brackett Lake | 2.0 mi | 83 | 39 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 2.1 mi | 57 | 25 ft |
Tonseth Lake | 2.1 mi | 149 | 27 ft |
Eddy Lake | 2.2 mi | 141 | 34 ft |
Mule Lake | 2.3 mi | 53 | 31 ft |
Cow Lake | 2.4 mi | 16 | 33 ft |
Grass Lake | 2.6 mi | 70 | 21 ft |
Bass Lake | 3.2 mi | 34 | 43 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Crystal Lake. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.