Sylvan

A trap net assessment was conducted on Sylvan Lake on May 15-17, 2023, to monitor the Black Crappie and Bluegill populations. Sylvan Lake has a special regulation limiting the daily possession to five Sunfish and five Crappies. The reduced daily limit began in 2005. Black Crappies ranged in length from 4.9 to 13.3 inches. Average length was 9.2 inches and 62% of the Crappies measured 9 inches or longer. Bluegills ranged in length from 4.0 to 9.3 inches. Average length was 7.4 inches and 76% of the Bluegills measured 7 inches or longer. The five Crappie and five Sunfish daily limits have been successful in maintaining the quality panfish angling opportunities in Sylvan Lake.

Sylvan Lake is a 894 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 57', located 10 miles west of Brainerd in Cass County. Sylvan is located in the Crow Wing River watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Fourteen 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on July1st and July 16th, 2021, with all 14 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 1 station and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 8 stations. Twenty species were sampled, including eight species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Burbot, Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Mimic Shiner, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted on June 14-18, 2021 to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Sylvan Lake is an 894 acre lake located in southern Cass County. The primary management species are Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Walleye. A special regulation (5 fish limit) for sunfish and crappies went into effect on March 1, 2005, to maintain and enhance the fishery for these species. The panfish seem to be benefitting from this protection, as the size of both Bluegills and Black Crappie was very good. Average length of Black Crappies was 8.7", with 47% at least 9" in length and 6% at least 12" in length. Bluegill showed similar results, with an average length of 6.9" and 63% measuring 7" or larger. Northern Pike numbers and size were both impressive. They were caught in the highest numbers to date (12.3/gill net) and 18% were over the 22-26" protected slot. Fish up to 37.5" were measured. The Largemouth Bass catch was above average for this type of lake (2.4/gill net). Average length was 11.3", with 48% measuring 12" or larger and fish up to 15.7" measured. Survey nets typically don't sample bass that well and there are anecdotal reports of larger fish in Sylvan Lake. Walleyes are another species anglers may encounter, due to stocking efforts by the DNR as well as the lake association. The catch rate in 2021 was low at 0.4/gill net, however, the average size was respectable at 19.9".

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Hybrid Sunfish in Sylvan. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Sylvan. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Sylvan has a maximum depth of 57 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sylvan is from 2021.

Yes — Sylvan has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.