Lake Gervais
About Lake Gervais
Lake Gervais is a 235-acre lake near Little Canada in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 41 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows Gervais Lake Beach on or beside the lake. 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 3, based on 33 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Gervais
- 235 acres, up to 41 feet deep, near Little Canada
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Gervais Lake Beach)
- 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
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 235 acres
- Max depth
- 41 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 91 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: Gervais Lake Beach
- Picnic area
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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 3
- Years of record
- 33
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 29, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Gervais
Compare Lake Gervais against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Gervais ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Gervais ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Gervais ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Gervais ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Gervais ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Keller Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Maplewood73 acres
1 miles away
Lake Phalen
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Saint Paul198 acres
2.4 miles away
East Vadnais Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Vadnais Heights393 acres
2.4 miles away
McCarron Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Roseville73 acres
2.6 miles away
West Vadnais Lake
19 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Cardigan Junction212 acres
2.7 miles away
Lake Owasso
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview375 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Gervais?
Lake Gervais is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Little Canada. It covers 235 acres and reaches 41 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Gervais?
Lake Gervais covers 235 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 41 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Gervais?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, 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 Lake Gervais?
Yes. Lake Gervais has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Gervais?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Gervais Lake Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Gervais stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Gervais; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Gervais?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Lake Gervais?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 33 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Lake Gervais have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Gervais 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.