Sylvia Lake
About Sylvia Lake
Sylvia Lake is an 85-acre lake near Ward Springs in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sylvia Lake
- 85 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Ward Springs
- 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 8 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil 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
- 85 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 22 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)
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
- 19
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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
- 10
- Earliest
- April 8, 2026
- Latest
- April 25, 2008
- Most recent
- April 8, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sylvia Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sylvia Lake?
Sylvia Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Ward Springs. It covers 85 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sylvia Lake?
Sylvia Lake covers 85 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sylvia Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sylvia Lake?
Yes. Sylvia Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sylvia Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sylvia 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 Sylvia Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sylvia Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Sylvia Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 8, 2026 and the latest is April 25, 2008.
Does Sylvia Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sylvia Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.