Roy Lake
About Roy Lake
Roy Lake is a 695-acre lake near Zerkel in Mahnomen County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Roy Lake
- 695 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Zerkel
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 695 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 638 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 27
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 14, 2004
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- May 6, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Roy Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lone Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Jack Pine112 acres
2.8 miles away
Island Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Zerkel44 acres
4.4 miles away
North Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush966 acres
6 miles away
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun735 acres
6.5 miles away
Sargent Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush138 acres
6.9 miles away
South Twin Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun1,127 acres
7.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Roy Lake?
Roy Lake is in Mahnomen County, Minnesota, near Zerkel. It covers 695 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Roy Lake?
Roy Lake covers 695 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Roy 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 Roy Lake?
Yes. Roy Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Roy Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Roy Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Roy Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Roy Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2004 and the latest is May 6, 2022.