Lower Cullen Lake
About Lower Cullen Lake
Lower Cullen Lake is a 560-acre lake near Nisswa in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Cullen Lake
- 560 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 15.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 560 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 180 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)
- Picnic area
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 15
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2022
- Most recent
- March 12, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lower Cullen Lake
Compare Lower Cullen Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lower Cullen Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lower Cullen Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lower Cullen Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lower Cullen Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Edna Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa156 acres
1.1 miles away
West Twin Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa127 acres
1.3 miles away
East Twin Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa163 acres
1.4 miles away
Nisswa Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa219 acres
1.4 miles away
Middle Cullen Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa405 acres
1.6 miles away
Roy Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa320 acres
2.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Cullen Lake?
Lower Cullen Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 560 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lower Cullen Lake?
Lower Cullen Lake covers 560 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lower Cullen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lower Cullen Lake?
Yes. Lower Cullen Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lower Cullen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lower Cullen Lake. 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 Lower Cullen Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lower Cullen Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Lower Cullen Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2022.
Does Lower Cullen Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lower Cullen Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.