Ruth Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Emily. DNR lake ID 18021200.
Ruth Lake is a 599.2-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Emily. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18021200 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Emily |
| Surface area | 599.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 33% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.0 ft, phosphorus 12.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Ruth Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Ruth Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 1.0 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.33 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 17.78 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 6.22 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.44 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.89 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 65.56 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.56 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.56 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021), Northern pike 34.0 in (2021), Walleye 29.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 1997), zebra mussel (listed 2015).
Public boat access
- Ruth Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. 2 miles North of Emily on MN Hwy. 6, then 0.5 mile East on Mill Road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Emily Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mary Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Anna Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Trout Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Dahler Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Emily Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Blue Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Papoose Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Ruth Lake
How deep is Ruth Lake?
Ruth Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ruth Lake?
Ruth Lake covers about 599.2 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ruth Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ruth Lake averages 16.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Ruth Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Ruth Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Ruth Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Ruth Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Ruth Lake?
Ruth Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Ruth Lake.
How is the walleye population on Ruth Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Ruth 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 Ruth Lake?
Homes on Ruth 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 Ruth Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ruth Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 33% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ruth Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ruth Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ruth 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 2021), 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.