Silver Lake
About Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a 71-acre lake near Columbia Heights in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Silver Lake
- 71 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Columbia Heights
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.8 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 71 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 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
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 12
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 15, 2016
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 28, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Silver Lake
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See how Silver Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
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2.4 miles away
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Lake Johanna
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St. Anthony Falls Pool
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Lake Josephine
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Island Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Columbia Heights. It covers 71 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake covers 71 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Silver Lake?
Yes. Silver Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Silver 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 Silver Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Silver Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Silver Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2016 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Silver Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Silver 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.