Ray Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. DNR lake ID 11022000.
Ray Lake is a 142.7-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. Its deepest point reaches 27 ft, and about 78% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is part of the Gull Lake Chain. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Ray Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11022000 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Nisswa |
| Surface area | 142.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 27 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 78% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Gull Lake Chain |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.4 ft, phosphorus 10.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Ray Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Ray Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.67 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.33 | 4.5 to 11.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 2.5 to 24.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.67 | 1.0 to 11.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 11.5 | 4.9 to 49.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.0 | 1.0 to 3.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.5 | 1.7 to 10.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.5 to 1.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.83 | 0.3 to 3.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2019), Walleye 26.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2010).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Gull Lake Chain
Gull Lake and the lakes linked to it by channels, including the no-wake narrows between Gull and Upper Gull. Listed here are the lakes that both published chain descriptions and DNR connection records agree on.
Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, Margaret Lake, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake
Nearby lakes
- Roy Lake 0.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Upper Gull Lake 0.6 mi, Cass County
- Fawn Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Edna Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nisswa Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- West Twin Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Cullen Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Margaret Lake 2.4 mi, Cass County
Questions about Ray Lake
How deep is Ray Lake?
Ray Lake reaches a maximum depth of 27 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 78% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ray Lake?
Ray Lake covers about 142.7 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ray Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ray Lake averages 10.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Ray Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Ray Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Ray Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Ray Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
How is the walleye population on Ray Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Ray Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Ray Lake?
Homes on Ray Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Ray Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ray Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 78% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ray Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ray Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ray Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.