Lake Crystal
About Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is a 293-acre lake near Lakeville in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 6.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Crystal Lake Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 5, based on 46 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Crystal
- 293 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Lakeville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Crystal Lake Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 293 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 208 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: Crystal Lake Beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 5
- Years of record
- 46
- Earliest
- March 2, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 2025
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
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See how Lake Crystal ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lac Lavon
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Burnsville66 acres
1.1 miles away
Alimagnet Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Apple Valley104 acres
2 miles away
Orchard Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville238 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Marion
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville530 acres
3.8 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
6.4 miles away
Thomas Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Eagan41 acres
6.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Lakeville. It covers 293 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal covers 293 acres with about 6.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Crystal?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, 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 city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Crystal?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Crystal Lake Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Crystal?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Lake Crystal?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 46 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 2, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Lake Crystal have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Crystal as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.