Ross Lake
About Ross Lake
Ross Lake is a 492-acre lake near Little Pine in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 28 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ross Lake
- 492 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Little Pine
- 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
- Average water clarity around 3.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 492 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 317 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 28
- Earliest
- March 23, 2012
- Latest
- May 1, 1996
- Most recent
- April 9, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ross Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Twin Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Little Pine79 acres
0.8 miles away
Stark Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine Knoll217 acres
1.8 miles away
Upper Dean Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily259 acres
2.7 miles away
Rogers Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily240 acres
2.8 miles away
Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily240 acres
3.3 miles away
Nelson Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Pine Knoll319 acres
3.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ross Lake?
Ross Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Little Pine. It covers 492 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ross Lake?
Ross Lake covers 492 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ross Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ross Lake?
Yes. Ross Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ross Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ross 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 Ross Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ross Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Ross Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 28 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 2012 and the latest is May 1, 1996.