Crystal Lake
Hillsdale County, WisconsinMesotrophic
Crystal Lake is a 125-acre mesotrophic lake in Hillsdale County, MI. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 16 documented fish species including Black crappie, Bluegill, and Burbot. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Hillsdale County, Crystal Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-09-22. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 9.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 44.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 9.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 44 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 125 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Crystal Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Crystal Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Crystal Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 7 lakes in Hillsdale County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Crystal Lake holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AFarewell Lake West Basin; Hanover TownshipJackson County · 4 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ADevils Lake Central Basin NorthLenawee County · 8.4 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Hillsdale County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
Lapeer County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 13 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft
Lake County · Clarity: 14 ft
Cass County · Clarity: 10.5 ft
Genesee County · Clarity: 10 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Crystal Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Crystal Lake Dam (completed 1976), built primarily for recreation on the Trib to Grand River; earth-type dam, 10 ft tall and 100 ft long.
- Surface area
- 125 ac
- Normal storage
- 90 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 290 ac-ft
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Hillsdale County Drain Commissioner
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MI00956 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2023-09-22
Monitoring stations: 1