Lower Cullen Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. DNR lake ID 18040300.
Lower Cullen Lake is a 560-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18040300 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Nisswa |
| Surface area | 560 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.6 ft, phosphorus 15.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Lower Cullen Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Lower Cullen Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 2.11 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.44 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.0 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.44 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 20.89 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.78 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.22 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.89 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.78 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.0 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.56 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.78 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 28.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Northern pike 30.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 15.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2016).
Public boat access
- Lower Cullen Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 13 trailer spaces. 1 mi N of downtown Nisswa to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Edna Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- West Twin Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- East Twin Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nisswa Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Middle Cullen Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Roy Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clark Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Lower Cullen Lake
How deep is Lower Cullen Lake?
Lower Cullen Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Lower Cullen Lake?
Lower Cullen Lake covers about 560 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Lower Cullen Lake?
Summer water clarity on Lower Cullen Lake averages 15.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Lower Cullen Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Lower Cullen Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Lower Cullen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Lower Cullen Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Lower Cullen Lake?
Lower Cullen Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Lower Cullen Lake.
How is the walleye population on Lower Cullen Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Lower Cullen Lake ran mostly below 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 Lower Cullen Lake?
Homes on Lower Cullen 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 Lower Cullen Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Lower Cullen Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lower Cullen Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Lower Cullen Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Lower Cullen Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), 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.