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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?
- 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?
How deep is Crystal Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Crystal Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Freshwater Drum, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish 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 boat launches on Crystal Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Crystal Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Crystal Lake?
Explore the Crystal Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Crystal Lake?
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. Both Crystal and Lizzie Lakes are listed as designated infested waters. The aquatic invasive specie present is zebra mussels. The maximum depth is 55 feet; however, 51% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2014 lake survey was 8.5 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 public water access is located along the west shoreline. 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. 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, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species.
Walleye is primary management specie in this lake. Walleye catch rates have consistently been within the normal range. Walleyes ranged in length from 6.8 to 26.0 inches with an average length and weight of 15.1 inches and 1.3 pounds. Age data indicate that the 2011 and 2012 year classes are strong. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.7 inches at four years of age.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike size structure has historically been poor. Only eight percent of the Northern Pike were 24.0 inches or greater in length. Northern Pike attain an average length of 22.7 inches at five years of age.
Bluegill abundance has remained stable over the recent series of surveys. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Size structure has also remained consistently good. Forty percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.5 inches at six years of age.
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 also 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?
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 | |
Lake Franklin | 2.2 mi | 1,088 | 48 ft |
Otter Lake | 2.3 mi | 77 | 64 ft |
Big Crow Lake | 2.5 mi | 37 | 62 ft |
North Lida Lake | 2.6 mi | 5,514 | 58 ft |
Little Crow Lake | 2.8 mi | 30 | 37 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 2.9 mi | 15 | 42 ft |
Lizzie Lake (north portion) | 3.5 mi | 1,900 | 66 ft |
Elbow Lake | 3.8 mi | 91 | 45 ft |
East Spirit Lake | 4.4 mi | 561 | 38 ft |
Deadwood Lake | 4.5 mi | 28 | 37 ft |