Crystal Lake
Dane County, Wisconsin
About Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Dane County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, covering 525 acres with a maximum depth of 9 feet. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers primarily target Panfish. Note that invasive species (Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Purple Loosestrife) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 25% sand, 5% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
43.29040° N, 89.62300° W
WBIC 978900 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Crystal Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Crystal Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Purple Loosestrife
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Invasive Species Present
Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Water-Milfoil and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Crystal Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.
Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, and Panfish (Common). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Crystal Lake?
Yes — Crystal Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has 525 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 9 feet.
What is the bottom of Crystal Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 25% sand, 5% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Crystal Lake?
Yes — Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Water-Milfoil and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Crystal Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where is Crystal Lake located?
Crystal Lake is located in Dane County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.2904° N, 89.6230° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Crystal Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Dane County lakes. Check our Crystal Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Dane County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Crystal Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 15" and the daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 978900
- County
- Dane County
- Surface Area
- 525 acres
- Max Depth
- 9 ft
- Bottom
- 25% sand, 5% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.2904, -89.6230
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Crystal Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Public Boat Landing
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.