Silver Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. DNR lake ID 18023900.
Silver Lake is a 208.4-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. Its deepest point reaches 23 ft, and about 93% 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. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Silver 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 | 18023900 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Merrifield |
| Surface area | 208.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 23 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 93% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.6 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2022: clarity 15.6 ft, phosphorus 14.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Silver Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Silver Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 23.0 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 2.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.5 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.89 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 10.83 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 63.0 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 7.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 14.33 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 10.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, 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
- Silver Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 4 miles North of Merrifield on Crow Wing Co. Rd. #3. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Taylor Lake 0.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Edward Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Perch Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Half Moon Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Mission Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lougee Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Silver Lake
How deep is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake reaches a maximum depth of 23 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 93% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake covers about 208.4 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Silver Lake?
Summer water clarity on Silver Lake averages 15.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Silver Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Silver 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 Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Silver Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Silver Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Silver Lake?
Homes on Silver 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 Silver Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Silver Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 93% 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 Silver Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Silver Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Silver 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 2015), 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.