Sylvia Lake

How big is Sylvia Lake?

How deep is Sylvia Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sylvia Lake?

What are the closest cities to Sylvia Lake?

Are there boat launches on Sylvia Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sylvia Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Sylvia Lake?

Sylvia Lake is a small, scenic lake in northern Stearns County about 5 miles north of Melrose. It's connected to Little Birch Lake via a short, but non-navigable channel. A fishing pier and shoreline fishing-site is located in Lake Sylvia County Park on the south end of the lake near the public boat access which is immediately east of the Park.

Sylvia is a relatively clear-water lake that supports a slightly unusual fish community for lakes in this area of the state. In addition to common species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, the lake also contains Channel catfish, Shorthead Redhorse, Greater Redhorse and Bigmouth Buffalo; all migrants from the Sauk River via Adley Creek (lake outlet). Cisco, a species on the southern edge of its range, is also supported in Sylvia Lake due to the lakes high water quality.

Recent surveys depict a Smallmouth Bass fishery that may be of most interest to anglers. Electrofishing surveys capture good numbers of smallmouth, some up to 18 inches or more. Largemouth Bass are present in fewer numbers but attain large size as well. Northern Pike and Walleye appear to be quite low in abundance, however, large individuals of both species have been sampled in nets. Bluegill and Black Crappie are average in abundance and size however, lengths up to 8 and 13 inches have been recorded for each respective species. Good shore-fishing opportunities for panfish are available at Lake Sylvia County Park.

Ciscoes are coldwater fish present in Sylvia Lake. They're indicator species of lakes with high water quality. Ciscoes are declining in many Minnesota lakes due to climate change and nutrient runoff. The greatest period of stress occurs in late summer when oxy-thermal habitat is most limited. Summer oxy-thermal habitat is found at mid-lake depths where the temperature is below 70 degrees and dissolved oxygen is adequately present. Hotter, longer summers coupled with high nutrient runoff can put the squeeze on this deeper layer of oxy-thermal habitat Ciscoes depend on. Since Ciscoes demonstrate some resilience to warmer water temperatures, farmers, lakeshore residents, townships, counties and other stakeholders are encouraged to minimize nutrient runoff by giving up the use of fertilizers and adopt shoreline vegetative buffer strips or cover crops as the situation pertains.

The bog ecosystem with its many springs on the west side of Sylvia Lake is rare in central Minnesota and preserving it is essential to maintaining lake water quality. Steep drop-offs around much of the lake limit the amount of vegetated habitat. As such, vegetation removal is discouraged and protection of remaining fish habitat is critical. Unfortunately, Eurasian Watermilfoil was documented for the first time in Sylvia Lake in 2011. Significant growth was noted in early summer 2018 but appeared to diminish by late summer. Sylvia also contains zebra mussels. Lake visitors must be diligent about inspecting and cleaning watercraft when leaving the lake. Selective fish harvest is also encouraged to minimize impacts to the fish community. Releasing large panfish helps sustain angling quality into the future, especially in smaller lakes like Sylvia.

What is the average air temp for Sylvia Lake?

Are there any state parks near Sylvia Lake?