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Crystal Lake

Dane & Columbia counties · warm-water, stained water

525Acres
9ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Crystal

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Crystal is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthPresent4.1
How we rate

Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.

Depth map

None published

The DNR has no depth map online for Crystal.

✕ Deepest spot, 9 ft

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
Bass14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

1 public
Bottommuck 70% · sand 25% · gravel 5%
Lake groupCrystal, Fish, Mud Lake District

Stocking

DNR records
2018
5,000 largemouth bass large fingerling, 2.2"
2017
2,000 channel catfish yearling, 6.1"

The DNR has 11 fish surveys on file for this lake.

Before you go

DNR
How often it's safe to eat

This is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.

Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch

Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes

Up to 1 meal a month Muskies

Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR details
Invasive species here

Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Purple Loosestrife

Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

Near Crystal

Local deals

Local bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business

Crystal board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Crystal

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Fish LakeDane1.521662 ft
Mud LakeDane2.1545 ft
Lake WisconsinColumbia5.69,00024 ft
Indian LakeDane7666 ft
Devils LakeSauk10.336947 ft
Lake ColumbiaColumbia165008 ft
Lake MendotaDane16.49,84282 ft
Long LakeColumbia17.56920 ft

Crystal questions

How deep is Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake is 9 feet at its deepest. It covers 525 acres.

What fish are in Crystal Lake?

The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common) and largemouth bass (present).

Where is the boat launch on Crystal Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Crystal Lake?

A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

What is the walleye limit on Crystal Lake?

15" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Crystal Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2018 the DNR and partners stocked 5,000 largemouth bass (large fingerling).

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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-07.