Colby Lake
About Colby Lake
Colby Lake is a 518-acre lake near Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Colby Lake
- 518 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Hoyt Lakes
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 518 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 12 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 377 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
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 21
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- April 2, 2000
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- May 6, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Colby Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Whitewater Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Hoyt Lakes1,212 acres
2.2 miles away
St James Pit
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora124 acres
4.2 miles away
Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora156 acres
6.4 miles away
Wynne Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora279 acres
7 miles away
North Twin Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora65 acres
7.5 miles away
South Twin Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora118 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colby Lake?
Colby Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Hoyt Lakes. It covers 518 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Colby Lake?
Colby Lake covers 518 acres with about 12 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Colby Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Colby Lake?
Yes. Colby Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Colby 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 Colby Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Colby Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Colby Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2000 and the latest is May 6, 2022.