Large tracts of sedge meadow with small stands of bulrush and cattail occur on the extreme east end of the lake near the large island. Two major stands or bulrush grow along the south shore, but no emergents are found along the north shore. The Moosomin and Saulteux Indian reserves are adjacent to the north boundary of Murray Lake , and the Village of Cochin is on the northwestern end of the lake. There are nine major public access roads to the Sanctuary. Both sport and commercial fishing are permitted.
Anglers take whitefish, cisco, suckers, pike, perch and pickerel.
The lake was stocked with over four million pickerel fry by the Saskatchewan Department of Natural Resources in the 1950s. Fish from the commercial operation are sold to tourists. Indians are allowed to net fish on the lake at any time. Private cottages with boat wharfs along the south shore of Murray Lake and several picnicking facilities and a beach attract summer visitors. Boaters from nearby Jackfish Lake use Murray Lake when the former is too windblown.