Crystal Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. DNR lake ID 11050200.
Crystal Lake is a 190.2-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Akeley. Its deepest point reaches 40 ft, and about 86% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Crystal Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11050200 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Akeley |
| Surface area | 190.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 40 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 86% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 7.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 17.6 ft, phosphorus 7.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Crystal Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Crystal Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 5.33 | 1.0 to 3.2 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.33 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 12.17 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.67 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.0 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 5.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 20.44 | 4.0 to 28.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 13.17 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 14.0 | 0.2 to 0.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 5.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.33 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2020), Northern pike 32.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Crystal Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 7 miles West of Hackensack on Cass Co Rd 40, then 2 miles North on Hiram Twp Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Williams Lake 1.2 mi, Hubbard County
- Tripp Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
- Island Lake 2.6 mi, Hubbard County
- Steel Lake 2.6 mi, Hubbard County
- Little Bass Lake 3.2 mi, Cass County
- Jackpine Lake 3.3 mi, Cass County
- Variety Lake 3.5 mi, Cass County
- Howard Lake 3.8 mi, Cass County
Questions about Crystal Lake
How deep is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake reaches a maximum depth of 40 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 86% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake covers about 190.2 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Crystal Lake?
Summer water clarity on Crystal Lake averages 17.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Crystal Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Crystal Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Crystal Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Crystal Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Crystal Lake.
How is the walleye population on Crystal Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2020, walleye numbers on Crystal Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Crystal Lake?
Homes on Crystal Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Crystal Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Crystal Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 86% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Crystal Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Crystal Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Crystal Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.