Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 3
- Access Points
- 3
- Species
- 12
Crystal Lake is a premier fishing destination in Benzie County, Michigan, covering approximately 9,854 acres and ranking as the ninth-largest inland lake in the state. Located in western Benzie County just north of Frankfort, this deep, oligotrophic lake features a maximum depth of approximately 165 feet and an average depth of 70 feet. The lake's crystal-clear waters, characterized by excellent visibility and a Secchi depth of 8.5 feet, provide an exceptional fishing experience. With substrates consisting primarily of sand and marl, and large littoral shoals around the majority of the shore, Crystal Lake offers diverse fishing opportunities year-round. The lake sits just half a mile from Lake Michigan and benefits from a relatively small watershed, creating a unique aquatic environment that supports both coldwater and warmwater fish species.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Crystal Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Rainbow Trout19,998 fish · 7.0 inApr 16, 2026
- Lake Trout23,995 fish · 6.0 inApr 8, 2026
- Lake Trout21,396 fish · 6.0 inApr 8, 2026
- Rainbow Trout20,692 fish · 7.7 inApr 8, 2026
- Rainbow Trout60,034 fish · 2.8 inOct 20, 2025
Source
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Crystal Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Crystal Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Michigan licenses and regulations
Michigan Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Michigan Fishing License
You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.
Michigan Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Michigan Stream Access Laws
The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.
Take Crystal Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Crystal Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Crystal Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Crystal Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Crystal Lake fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Anthony Cortis
Steelhead Nation Outfitters
5.0 (3 reviews)
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Fishing near Crystal Lake
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Crystal Lake Yacht Club Boat Ramp
- Crystal Lake South Boat Ramp
- Crystal Lake Marina Boat Ramp
- Crystal & Commercial Ave Bridge
- Betsie River Bridge
- Betsie River Bridge
- Betsie River Bridge
- Platte River Bridge
- Platte River Bridge
- Platte River Bridge
- Vacation Trailer Park Campground
- Bestie Riverside Resort
- All 13 spots
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