Ray Lake
About Ray Lake
Ray Lake is a 143-acre lake near Nisswa in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ray Lake
- 143 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.3 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 143 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 112 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 12
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2022
- Most recent
- April 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ray Lake
Compare Ray Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Ray Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Ray Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Ray Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Ray Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Roy Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa320 acres
0.6 miles away
Upper Gull Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa422 acres
0.7 miles away
Edna Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa156 acres
1.2 miles away
Nisswa Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa219 acres
1.6 miles away
West Twin Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa127 acres
2.1 miles away
Lower Cullen Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa560 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ray Lake?
Ray Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 143 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ray Lake?
Ray Lake covers 143 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ray Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ray Lake?
Yes. Ray Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ray Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ray Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Ray Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ray Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ray Lake?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
When does the ice go out on Ray Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2022.
Does Ray Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ray Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.