McCarron Lake
About McCarron Lake
McCarron Lake is a 73-acre lake near Roseville in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 57 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the county and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim 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 5, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to McCarron Lake
- 73 acres, up to 57 feet deep, near Roseville
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the county and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 14 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 73 acres
- Max depth
- 57 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 25 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 (asphalt)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 5
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 8, 2000
- Latest
- April 21, 2008
- Most recent
- March 23, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to McCarron Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Owasso
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview375 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Gervais
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Little Canada235 acres
2.6 miles away
Keller Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Maplewood73 acres
2.6 miles away
Lake Phalen
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Saint Paul198 acres
3 miles away
Wabasso Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Vadnais Heights43 acres
3.2 miles away
Lake Josephine
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Roseville116 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McCarron Lake?
McCarron Lake is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Roseville. It covers 73 acres and reaches 57 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McCarron Lake?
McCarron Lake covers 73 acres with about 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 57 feet.
What fish can you catch at McCarron Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 McCarron Lake?
Yes. McCarron Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the county and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at McCarron 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 McCarron Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for McCarron Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on McCarron Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2000 and the latest is April 21, 2008.
Does McCarron Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists McCarron Lake 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.