Fishing at Ruby, Minnesota
235-acre lake · Itasca County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Ruby is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Itasca County. At 235 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 4 stocking events on record for Ruby:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,094 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,610 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,850 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,350 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Ruby, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Ruby
For walleye, the best fishing on Ruby is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Ruby:
- Black Island — 1.2 mi (117 ac)
- Burnt Shanty — 1.5 mi (198 ac)
- Burnt Shanty Lake — 1.6 mi (193 ac)
- Nose — 1.8 mi (114 ac)
- Nose Lake — 1.8 mi (112 ac)
- Spider — 2.2 mi (1,392 ac)
- Gunn Lake — 2.9 mi (702 ac)
- East Smith Lake — 3.0 mi (210 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Ruby. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Ruby?
Ruby has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Ruby last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 2,094 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Ruby?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.