Sylvan Lake
About Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a 321-acre lake near Sylvan in Morrison County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Sylvan Lake
- 321 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Sylvan
- 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 6 feet
- Listed as infested with faucet snail 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
- 321 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 191 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
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Sylvan Lake
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Sylvan Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pillager894 acres
3.8 miles away
Dade Lake
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Whipple Lake
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White Sand Lake
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Crow Wing Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake is in Morrison County, Minnesota, near Sylvan. It covers 321 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sylvan Lake?
Sylvan Lake covers 321 acres with about 5.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sylvan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sylvan Lake?
Yes. Sylvan Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sylvan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sylvan Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Sylvan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sylvan Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.