---
type: lake
name: "Lake Crystal"
county: "Otter Tail"
nearest_town: "Pelican Rapids"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1413
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 46.61492
longitude: -95.95169
lake_score: 61
dnr_lake_id: "56074900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/lake-crystal
---

# Lake Crystal

Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids

- **Surface Area**: 1,413 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Shoreline**: 8.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 9.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 61/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Lake Crystal is a 1,413-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. 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 zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 17
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Franklin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/franklin-lake) - 2.2 miles, 1,088 acres
- [North Lida Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/north-lida-lake) - 2.6 miles, 5,523 acres
- [Lake Lizzie (North Portion)](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/lake-lizzie-north-portion) - 3.5 miles, 1,913 acres
- [East Spirit Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/east-spirit-lake) - 4.4 miles, 561 acres
- [Fish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/fish-lake-pelican-rapids) - 5.1 miles, 293 acres
- [Sand Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/sand-lake) - 5.4 miles, 152 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.61492,-95.95169)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=56074900)
- [All lakes in Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county/lake-crystal)*