Crystal Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56074900.
Crystal Lake is a 1,413-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.5 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 | 56074900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 1,413 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 48% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.5 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 26.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 12.5 ft, phosphorus 26.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Crystal Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Crystal Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 4.33 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 1.17 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.11 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.42 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.42 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.11 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.5 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.78 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 18.08 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.42 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.67 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.25 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 3.67 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 5.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 11.0 in (2018), Northern pike 29.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2018), Walleye 27.0 in (2018).
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 2009).
Public boat access
- Crystal Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 5.5 mi NW of the city of Pelican Rapids to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Franklin Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Otter Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Lida Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lida Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie (north portion) Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- West Spirit Lake 3.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- East Spirit Lake 4.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Crystal Lake
How deep is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake covers about 1,413 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Crystal Lake?
Summer water clarity on Crystal Lake averages 12.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Crystal Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Crystal Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Crystal Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Crystal Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
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 2018, walleye numbers on Crystal Lake ran mostly within 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?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 48% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.5 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.