West Lake Sylvia
About West Lake Sylvia
West Lake Sylvia is a 904-acre lake near South Haven in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 97 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 33 feet, and has roughly 12.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 20 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to West Lake Sylvia
- 904 acres, up to 97 feet deep, near South Haven
- 1 public boat launch (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 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, 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
- 904 acres
- Max depth
- 97 ft
- Average depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 20 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 244 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
- 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
- 15
- 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 23
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2013
- 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 West Lake Sylvia
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Nearby Lakes
East Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven669 acres
0.9 miles away
Moose Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · French Lake87 acres
1.9 miles away
Union Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven93 acres
2.3 miles away
John Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale397 acres
2.4 miles away
Lake Francis
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kingston1,053 acres
3 miles away
French Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale346 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Lake Sylvia?
West Lake Sylvia is in Wright County, Minnesota, near South Haven. It covers 904 acres and reaches 97 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Lake Sylvia?
West Lake Sylvia covers 904 acres with about 12.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 97 feet and its average depth is about 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at West 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 West Lake Sylvia?
Yes. West Lake Sylvia has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at West Lake Sylvia?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West 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 West Lake Sylvia stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West Lake Sylvia; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on West Lake Sylvia?
Yes. Daily limit five. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on West Lake Sylvia?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2013.
Does West Lake Sylvia have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists West Lake Sylvia as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.