Ruby Lake
About Ruby Lake
Ruby Lake is a 235-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 88 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 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 2017.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Ruby Lake
- 235 acres, up to 88 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 16.7 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 235 acres
- Max depth
- 88 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 90 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ruby Lake
Compare Ruby Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Black Island Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder117 acres
1.2 miles away
Burnt Shanty Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell198 acres
1.5 miles away
Gunn Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder111 acres
1.7 miles away
Nose Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids114 acres
1.8 miles away
Spider Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell1,392 acres
2.2 miles away
Lost Moose Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder112 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ruby Lake?
Ruby Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 235 acres and reaches 88 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ruby Lake?
Ruby Lake covers 235 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 88 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ruby 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 Ruby Lake?
Yes. Ruby Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ruby Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ruby 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 Ruby Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ruby Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.