The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Crystal Lake
Benzie County, Michigan · 9,850 acres (15.4 sq mi)
51°F water, calm tomorrow afternoon.
About Crystal Lake
In Benzie County, Michigan, Crystal Lake covers 9,850 acres; it is a natural lake. Crystal Lake in Benzie County is Michigan's ninth-largest inland lake and is noted for its deep, clear water and steep drop-offs near shore.
It stretches about 7.8 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 20 miles. The water sits about 600 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 165 ft, with an average depth near 70 ft. Beulah sits right on the water.
- Size
- 9,850 acres (15.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 165 ft (average 70 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 7.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 600 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Benzie County
- Water
- Known for clear water (about 8 ft visibility)
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Crystal Lake
Anglers come to Crystal Lake for smallmouth bass, lake trout, trout, northern pike, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. At 51°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:39 am · sunset 5:18 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Crystal Lake
- Beulahon the shore
- Frankfortabout 1.9 mi southwest
- Greilickvilleabout 24 mi east
- Traverse Cityabout 24 mi east
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Questions about Crystal Lake
What fish are in Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake holds smallmouth bass, lake trout, trout, northern pike, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Crystal Lake?
About 165 ft at the deepest point, about 70 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Crystal Lake?
9,850 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Crystal Lake?
Beulah is on the shore; Frankfort is about 1.9 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Crystal Lake today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Crystal Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
