East Lake Sylvia
About East Lake Sylvia
East Lake Sylvia is a 669-acre lake near South Haven in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 41 feet, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 20.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (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 16, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to East Lake Sylvia
- 669 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near South Haven
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 20.3 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 669 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 41 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 20.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 170 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- 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
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- April 26, 2023
- Most recent
- March 16, 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 East Lake Sylvia
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Nearby Lakes
West Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven904 acres
0.9 miles away
John Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale397 acres
1.5 miles away
Moose Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · French Lake87 acres
2.6 miles away
Union Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven93 acres
3.2 miles away
French Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale346 acres
3.4 miles away
Lake Augusta
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Fairhaven187 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Lake Sylvia?
East Lake Sylvia is in Wright County, Minnesota, near South Haven. It covers 669 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Lake Sylvia?
East Lake Sylvia covers 669 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 41 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Lake Sylvia?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 East Lake Sylvia?
Yes. East Lake Sylvia has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Lake Sylvia?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Lake Sylvia. 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 East Lake Sylvia stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Lake Sylvia; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on East Lake Sylvia?
Yes. Daily limit five. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on East Lake Sylvia?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is April 26, 2023.
Does East Lake Sylvia have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Lake Sylvia 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.