Roy Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. DNR lake ID 18039800.
Roy Lake is a 319.7-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. Its deepest point reaches 26 ft, and about 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18039800 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Nisswa |
| Surface area | 319.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 26 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 40% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2018 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 12.5 ft, phosphorus 10.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Roy Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2018 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Roy 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 | 0.5 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.17 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.33 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.11 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.0 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.33 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.89 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.78 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2019), Northern pike 37.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 16.0 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, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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, Ray Lake, Nisswa Lake
Nearby lakes
- Ray Lake 0.6 mi, Cass County
- Nisswa Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Upper Gull Lake 1.2 mi, Cass County
- Edna Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Cullen Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- West Twin Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Margaret Lake 2.5 mi, Cass County
Questions about Roy Lake
How deep is Roy Lake?
Roy Lake reaches a maximum depth of 26 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Roy Lake?
Roy Lake covers about 319.7 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Roy Lake?
Summer water clarity on Roy Lake averages 12.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Roy Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Roy Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Roy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Roy Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
How is the walleye population on Roy Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Roy Lake ran mostly below 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 Roy Lake?
Homes on Roy 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 Roy Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Roy Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 40% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Roy Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Roy Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Roy 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 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.