Middle Cullen Lake
About Middle Cullen Lake
Middle Cullen Lake is a 405-acre lake near Nisswa in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.2 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 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Middle Cullen Lake
- 405 acres, up to 48 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 16.2 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and 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
- 405 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 127 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- Yes
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 4, 2022
- Most recent
- March 13, 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 Middle Cullen Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Upper Cullen Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point441 acres
1 miles away
Lower Cullen Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa560 acres
1.6 miles away
East Twin Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa163 acres
1.7 miles away
West Twin Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa127 acres
2.3 miles away
Little Pelican Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point271 acres
2.5 miles away
Edna Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa156 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Middle Cullen Lake?
Middle Cullen Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 405 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Middle Cullen Lake?
Middle Cullen Lake covers 405 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Middle 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 Middle Cullen Lake?
Yes. Middle 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 Middle Cullen Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Middle Cullen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Middle Cullen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Middle Cullen Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 4, 2022.
Does Middle Cullen Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Middle Cullen Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.