Ruth Lake
About Ruth Lake
Ruth Lake is a 599-acre lake near Emily in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 22.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 26, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ruth Lake
- 599 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Emily
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 22.8 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 599 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 22.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 200 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 26
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 12, 2015
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- May 2, 2018
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ruth Lake
Compare Ruth Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Ruth Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Emily
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily721 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Mary
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily413 acres
1.8 miles away
Anna Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily112 acres
2 miles away
Trout Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily117 acres
2.1 miles away
Blue Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily177 acres
2.6 miles away
Butterfield Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes194 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ruth Lake?
Ruth Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Emily. It covers 599 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ruth Lake?
Ruth Lake covers 599 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ruth Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Ruth Lake?
Yes. Ruth Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ruth Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ruth 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 Ruth Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ruth Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Ruth Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 26, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 12, 2015 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Ruth Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ruth Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.