Lake Crystal
About Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is a 190-acre lake near Akeley in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Crystal
- 190 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Akeley
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14.8 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 190 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 163 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
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
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.
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See how Lake Crystal ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Bass Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley114 acres
3.2 miles away
Jackpine Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
3.3 miles away
Variety Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
3.5 miles away
Howard Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Akeley386 acres
3.8 miles away
Ten Mile Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack5,080 acres
4.4 miles away
Shingobee Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Akeley172 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. It covers 190 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal covers 190 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Crystal?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, 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 Minnesota DNR. 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.