Ross Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Little Pine. DNR lake ID 18016500.
Ross Lake is a 491.8-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Little Pine. Its deepest point reaches 30 ft, and about 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 3.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18016500 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Little Pine |
| Surface area | 491.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 30 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 64% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 3.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 38.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 15.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 3.6 ft, phosphorus 38.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 15.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Ross Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Ross Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 2.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.11 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.67 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 15.44 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.0 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.22 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.22 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.22 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.4 to 1.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2018), Walleye 23.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Ross Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. Take Hwy 6 south out of Emily for 4.6 miles to CR 36. Follow CR 36 east for 8.5 miles to Ko Rd. Follow Ko Rd west for 0.1 miles to Opahs Dr. Follow Opahs Dr north for 0.1 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Twin Lake 0.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Stark Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 2.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Upper Dean Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rogers Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Brown Lake 3.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Island Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nelson Lake 3.4 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Ross Lake
How deep is Ross Lake?
Ross Lake reaches a maximum depth of 30 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ross Lake?
Ross Lake covers about 491.8 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ross Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ross Lake averages 3.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Ross Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Ross Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Ross Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Ross Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Ross Lake?
Ross Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Ross Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Ross Lake?
Homes on Ross 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 Ross Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ross Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 64% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 3.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ross Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ross Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ross Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.