Snail Lake
About Snail Lake
Snail Lake is a 158-acre lake near Shoreview in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
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 4, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Snail Lake
- 158 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Shoreview
- 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
- Average water clarity around 9.5 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
- 158 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 130 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- 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 4
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 21, 2014
- Most recent
- March 3, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Snail Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Island Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview59 acres
1.3 miles away
Turtle Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Shoreview450 acres
1.9 miles away
West Vadnais Lake
19 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Cardigan Junction212 acres
1.9 miles away
Wabasso Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Vadnais Heights43 acres
2 miles away
Pleasant Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · North Oaks607 acres
2 miles away
East Vadnais Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Vadnais Heights393 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Snail Lake?
Snail Lake is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, near Shoreview. It covers 158 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Snail Lake?
Snail Lake covers 158 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Snail 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 Snail Lake?
Yes. Snail Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Snail 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 Snail Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Snail Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Snail Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 21, 2014.
Does Snail Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Snail 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.