Velvet Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. DNR lake ID 18028400.
Velvet Lake is a 166.9-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.7 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.
Buying or selling on Velvet 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 | 18028400 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Cross Lake |
| Surface area | 166.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 48% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.7 ft, phosphorus 17.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Velvet Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Velvet Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1985 (41 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 | 2.0 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.33 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.0 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.67 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 26.67 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.67 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.67 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- O'Brien Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rock Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Greer Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Dolney Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Goodrich Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Adney Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Command Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Velvet Lake
How deep is Velvet Lake?
Velvet Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Velvet Lake?
Velvet Lake covers about 166.9 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Velvet Lake?
Summer water clarity on Velvet Lake averages 11.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Velvet Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Velvet 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Velvet Lake?
Homes on Velvet 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 Velvet Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Velvet Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 48% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Velvet Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Velvet Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Velvet 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 1985), 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.