Rays Lake
About Rays Lake
Rays Lake is a 169-acre lake near Elysian in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 29, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rays Lake
- 169 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Elysian
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 169 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 139 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
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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
- March 29
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 21, 2015
- Latest
- April 16, 2008
- Most recent
- March 21, 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 Rays Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Frances Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Greenland927 acres
1.2 miles away
Fish Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville77 acres
1.3 miles away
Steele Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Greenland76 acres
2.1 miles away
Lily Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian114 acres
2.3 miles away
Lake Elysian
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian2,215 acres
3 miles away
Roemhildts Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Mankato74 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rays Lake?
Rays Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Elysian. It covers 169 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rays Lake?
Rays Lake covers 169 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rays Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rays Lake?
Yes. Rays Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rays Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rays 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 Rays Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rays Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Rays Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 29, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 21, 2015 and the latest is April 16, 2008.
Does Rays Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rays Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.