Lake Phalen
About Lake Phalen
Lake Phalen is a 198-acre lake near Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 91 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Phalen Park 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 25 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Phalen
- 198 acres, up to 91 feet deep, near Saint Paul
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Phalen Park 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 198 acres
- Max depth
- 91 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 80 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: Phalen Park 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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
- 25
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 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 Phalen
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Nearby Lakes
Keller Lake
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1.3 miles away
Lake Gervais
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2.4 miles away
McCarron Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Roseville73 acres
3 miles away
Silver Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · North Saint Paul76 acres
4.1 miles away
Tanners Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall74 acres
4.2 miles away
Lake Owasso
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview375 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Phalen?
Lake Phalen is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Saint Paul. It covers 198 acres and reaches 91 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Phalen?
Lake Phalen covers 198 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 91 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Phalen?
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 Lake Phalen?
Yes. Lake Phalen has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Phalen?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Phalen Park Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Phalen stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Phalen; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Phalen?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Lake Phalen?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 25 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Lake Phalen have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Phalen 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.