Lake Crystal
About Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is a 379-acre lake near Lake Crystal in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 5.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around April 1, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Crystal
- 379 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Lake Crystal
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 379 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 379 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 1
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 20, 1911
- Latest
- April 14, 2008
- Most recent
- March 23, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Crystal
Compare Lake Crystal against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Crystal ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Crystal ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Crystal ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Crystal ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Loon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Lake Crystal809 acres
1.5 miles away
Mills Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Lake Crystal237 acres
3.3 miles away
Fedji Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreWatonwan · Perth172 acres
9.3 miles away
Lake Ida
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Amboy138 acres
13.6 miles away
Eagle Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Eagle Lake898 acres
16.4 miles away
George Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Marysburg88 acres
18.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal is in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, near Lake Crystal. It covers 379 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal covers 379 acres with about 5.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Crystal?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Crystal?
Yes. Lake Crystal has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Crystal?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Crystal. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Crystal stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Crystal; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Crystal?
The median ice-out date is April 1, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 20, 1911 and the latest is April 14, 2008.