Rush Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. DNR lake ID 18031100.
Rush Lake is an 857.8-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. Its deepest point reaches 105 ft, and about 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is part of the Whitefish Chain. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18031100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Cross Lake |
| Surface area | 857.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 105 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 58% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Whitefish Chain |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 17.2 ft, phosphorus 12.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rush Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Rush Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 0.5 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.08 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.58 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.08 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 9.0 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.58 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 42.58 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.42 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 4.5 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 1.25 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.58 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.0 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.75 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 5.92 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 30.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2018), Northern pike 32.0 in (2018), Smallmouth bass 2.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: starry stonewort (listed 2024), zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Whitefish Chain
Fourteen lakes that became one connected system when the Pine River dam raised the water about ten feet. Roughly 14,000 acres of boatable water around Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, and Pine River. The DNR records Rush and Hen as one lake.
Whitefish Lake, Cross Lake, Big Trout Lake, Lower Hay Lake, Little Pine Lake, Bertha Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Daggett Lake, Clamshell Lake, Pig Lake, Island Lake, Loon Lake
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: The Wharf, restaurant and gas dock in the channel between Cross Lake and Rush Lake.
On-water fuel: The Wharf, gas dock in the channel between Cross Lake and Rush Lake. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Island Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Loon Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pleasant Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Big Trout Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Cross Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Ox Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Daggett Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pig Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Rush Lake
How deep is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake reaches a maximum depth of 105 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake covers about 857.8 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rush Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rush Lake averages 17.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Rush Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Rush Lake for starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Rush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Rush Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
How is the walleye population on Rush Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2018, walleye numbers on Rush 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 Rush Lake?
Homes on Rush 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 Rush Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Rush Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 58% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rush Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about Rush 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 2018), 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.