Crystal
A 379-acre lake near Lake Crystal in Blue Earth County — best known for panfish and walleye. Last surveyed 2022.
Fish Species (17)
Above-normal numbers · large fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1982
Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.0 per trap net · typical 0.2–1.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2001 | 1.00 | 2.0" | 0.01 lbs |
| Aug 11, 1982 | 7.00 | - | 0.27 lbs |
Walleye
Stocked 2024Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 11.0 per gill net · typical 2.3–18.1 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 11.00 | 17.5" | 2.09 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 7.78 | 17.5" | 2.22 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 18.33 | 10.0" | 0.34 lbs |
Stocking Details
| Year | Size | Number | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | fry | 284,250 | 2.7 |
| 2023 | fry | 284,250 | 2.5 |
| 2022 | fry | 284,250 | 2.4 |
| 2021 | fry | 284,250 | 2.5 |
| 2019 | fry | 284,250 | 2.3 |
| 2018 | fry | 284,250 | 2.7 |
| 2016 | fry | 596,090 | 5.5 |
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 1.8 per gill net · typical 1.1–8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 1.75 | 23.8" | 3.47 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 3.33 | 23.8" | 3.26 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 0.67 | 21.7" | 1.27 lbs |
Typical numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2011
Last surveyed 2011 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2011 | 1.50 | 18.6" | 2.77 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2011 | 1.50 | 18.6" | 3.48 lbs |
| Aug 7, 2006 | 4.00 | 18.0" | 2.68 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1991
Last surveyed 1991 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.17 per trap net · typical 0.3–4.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 26, 1991 | 0.17 | - | 0.60 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1987 | 0.33 | - | 0.10 lbs |
| Aug 11, 1982 | 2.80 | - | 0.28 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 15.7 per trap net · typical 1.2–20.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 15.67 | 7.9" | 0.38 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 14.75 | 7.9" | 0.29 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 40.75 | 8.2" | 0.27 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 1.0 per trap net · typical 1.2–20 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 1.00 | 7.2" | 0.36 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 2.62 | 5.6" | 0.25 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2011 | 0.88 | 7.6" | 0.27 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2011
Last surveyed 2011 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.8 per gill net · typical 0.5–8.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 0.22 | 11.0" | 0.85 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 1.62 | 9.7" | 0.58 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2011 | 1.25 | 7.0" | 0.15 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 6.3 per gill net · typical 2.7–25 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 0.33 | 7.1" | 0.22 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 6.25 | 7.1" | 0.19 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 7.33 | 8.2" | 0.40 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.12 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2016 | 0.12 | 9.0" | 0.87 lbs |
| Aug 16, 2001 | 0.11 | 8.0" | 0.55 lbs |
| Jun 26, 1991 | 0.33 | - | 0.25 lbs |
Other species in this lake (7)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 3.8 per trap net · typical 0.5–2.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 0.25 | 9.1" | 0.77 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 3.78 | 9.1" | 0.52 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 0.67 | 8.5" | 0.37 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 399.2 per trap net · typical 11.5–132.6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 399.22 | 6.3" | 0.01 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 186.00 | 6.3" | 0.12 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 69.38 | 8.4" | 0.06 lbs |
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 1–13.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 0.22 | 23.5" | 6.78 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 1.33 | 21.6" | 4.23 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 4.25 | 21.6" | 5.30 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2022
Catch rate: 0.75 per gill net · typical 0.8–6.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2022 | 0.75 | 17.2" | 2.27 lbs |
| Aug 15, 2022 | 3.33 | 17.2" | 2.41 lbs |
| Aug 8, 2016 | 0.12 | 17.0" | 1.70 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.5–2.6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2016 | 0.33 | 7.0" | 0.14 lbs |
| Aug 7, 2006 | 0.33 | 4.3" | 0.05 lbs |
| Aug 16, 2001 | 0.33 | - | - |
Seining survey · surveyed Aug 2001
Last surveyed 2001 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 51.3 · Seining survey
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2001 | 51.33 | 0.9" | - |
Seining survey · surveyed Aug 2001
Last surveyed 2001 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.3 · Seining survey
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2001 | 7.33 | 1.3" | - |
| Aug 12, 1996 | 3.50 | - | - |
Biologist Notes
April 19, 2023Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie a…
Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie and a single White Sucker were also sampled. We have reports of anglers catching Black Crappie from shore. Dead Common Carp were observed on the shoreline.
April 19, 2023Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie a…
Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie and a single White Sucker were also sampled. We have reports of anglers catching Black Crappie from shore. Dead Common Carp were observed on the shoreline.
April 19, 2023Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie a…
Two trap nets were set at Crystal Lake on 19 April 2023 to assess winterkill. Yellow Perch and Black Bullheads were abundant. A single Black Crappie and a single White Sucker were also sampled. We have reports of anglers catching Black Crappie from shore. Dead Common Carp were observed on the shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Crystal?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Green Sunfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, and Pumpkinseed in Crystal. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Crystal?
Minnesota DNR records list public access for Crystal. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.
How deep is Crystal?
Crystal has a maximum depth of 8 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Crystal last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Crystal is from 2022.
Does Crystal have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Crystal in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
More lakes in Blue Earth County
View all809 acres
Channel Catfish · Walleye · Northern Pike
44 acres
White Crappie · Black Crappie · Bluegill
7 acres
Black Crappie · Hybrid Sunfish · Bluegill
1,447 acres
Walleye · Northern Pike · Largemouth Bass
1,359 acres
Northern Pike · Walleye · Largemouth Bass
898 acres
Northern Pike · Walleye · Green Sunfish
Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 379.38 acres
- Max Depth
- 8 ft
- Mean Depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.45 mi
- Public Access
- Yes
Location
44.1086°N, 94.2039°W
Depth contours: Minnesota DNR, digitized from lake surveys of varying vintage. Water levels change — verify on the water.
Get Directions