Roy

Roy is a small 320 acre lake that is part of the Gull Chain of Lakes and can be accessed through channels from Nisswa Lake and Spider Lake. Roy receives plenty of recreational traffic as boats navigate between Gull and Nisswa Lakes. A special regulation enacted in 2024 requires the immediate release of all Northern Pike between 30 and 40 inches, with a possession limit of two fish and only one allowed over 40 inches on the Gull Chain of Lakes. A standard survey using gill nets and trap nets was conducted in June 2025 to assess fish populations and provide angler information. Anglers looking to get a meal of panfish should be able to accomplish that on Roy, while those looking for trophy panfish should look elsewhere. The Bluegill trap net catch was a little below average for the lake. Bluegills ranged in length from 2.8 to 8.4 inches with an average of 5.9 inches. Bluegill at least 7 inches in length made up 20% of the sample. Growth was average compared to similar lakes with Bluegills reaching 6 inches at age 6. Black Crappies were sampled in below average numbers in both trap nets and in gill nets. Fish ranged in length from 4.5 to 11.9 inches with 77% at least 8 inches in length. The Northern Pike gill net catch was above average for the lake. Fish ranged in length from 10.0 to 33.2 inches with an average of 20.8 inches. Growth was good with Northern Pike reaching 23.7 inches at age 4. Anglers wishing to harvest Northern Pike will find plenty of opportunity on Roy with 97% not in the protected slot. Electrofishing, the preferred method for sampling Largemouth Bass, was not completed in 2025. Anglers can expect a chance at some decent fish based on what was caught in the summer netting. Fish ranging from 5.2 to 18.5 inches were sampled, with 67% measuring at least 12 inches in length. Walleye are not stocked directly into Roy, but Gull Lake receives 2,825,000 fry annually along with occasional fingerling stockings. The 2025 catch of 0.3/gill net was near the lake average (0.5/gill net). Previous catches ranged from 0.0-1.0/gill net. Including Walleye sampled in trap nets fish ranged from 21.5 to 26.3 inches. Most anglers don't target Walleye in Roy but may occasionally catch a bonus one while targeting other species. Other species sampled in the latest survey included Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Roy Lake is a 320 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 26', located 12 miles north of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. Roy Lake is located in the Crow Wing River watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on June 28, 2019, with all 10 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 1 station and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at an additional 4 stations. Soft bottom and heavy vegetation prevented the use of seines at the other 5 sampling sites. Fourteen species were sampled. Rock bass was the only species sampled that is intolerant of habitat disturbance. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted on June 10-13, 2019 to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Roy Lake is a 320 acre lake located near the city of Nisswa in Crow Wing County. Roy is part of the Gull Chain of Lakes. The maximum depth is 26', and 40% of the lake 15' deep or less. Water clarity was good, with a secchi depth reading of 24'. Northern pike were sampled in high numbers at 12.2/gill net, when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 21.0", with fish up to 37.9" sampled. Northern pike in the protected 22"-26" slot made up 16% of the catch, with 15% measuring at least 26.0" in length. Lakes in this part of the state have a new northern pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. Black crappies were captured in average numbers in both gill nets (1.3/net) and trap nets (1.1/net). Average length was 7.2" in gill nets and 9.1" in trap nets. For both gears combined 61% measured at least 8.0" in length. Bluegills were also sampled in average numbers at 9.0/trap net. Average length was 5.4", with 19% at least 7.0" in length. Even though walleyes are not stocked directly into Roy Lake, they are present due to the connection to Gull Lake where walleye fry are stocked annually. Only three walleye were sampled in gill nets. Average length was nice at 21.3". Roy Lake is designated as AIS (aquatic invasive species) infested water because of zebra mussels. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie in Roy. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Roy. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Roy has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Roy is from 2025.

Yes — Roy has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.