The largest lake in the Phalen Chain, popular with anglers and boaters.
Gervais Lake is the second lake in the Phalen Chain of Lakes and is used for a variety of recreational purposes, including swimming, skiing and boating. There is a public boat access from Spoon Lake and a Ramsey County Parks swimming beach and park adjacent to the lake. The lake receives flows from Gervais Creek, Kohlman Lake and runoff from its direct tributary area.
Lake facts
| Tributary area | 893 acres |
| Downstream waterbody | Keller Lake |
| DNR code | 62‑0007P (click for LakeFinder data) |
| Surface area | 234 acres |
| Average depth | 22 feet |
| Maximum depth | 41 feet |
| MPCA designations | Deep lake; impaired for mercury; at risk for chloride |
| Accountable municipalities | Little Canada, Maplewood, Ramsey County |
| Nutrient water quality classification1 | Stable |
Water quality
The following graphs show the growing season average measurements in Gervais Lake for chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus and secchi transparency. Gervais Lake is sampled for water quality parameters every two weeks from May through September. The graphs show the lake has historically had very good water quality and is considered in a stable condition.
Past projects
Notable District water quality improvement projects in the watershed include:
Carp Management – Phalen Chain
More information
You can find detailed information on Gervais Lake and its tributary area in our watershed management plan.