Rush Island Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. DNR lake ID 31083200.
Rush Island Lake is a 296.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31083200 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Talmoon |
| Surface area | 296.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Mean depth | 19.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 33% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.8 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2020: clarity 10.8 ft, phosphorus 17.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rush Island Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Rush Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 1.83 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 17.0 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 25.0 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.44 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.56 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 17.56 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.78 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.67 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2021), Northern pike 33.0 in (2021), Walleye 26.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Rush Island Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 2.75 mi W of the city of Spring Lake on Cnty Hwy 4, then 3.5 mi S & W on Cnty Rd 36, the 1.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 130 to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 0.6 mi, Itasca County
- Cedar Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Bird's Eye Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Sand Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Stone Axe Lake 2.8 mi, Itasca County
- Portage Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Little Whitefish Lake 3.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Sand Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Rush Island Lake
How deep is Rush Island Lake?
Rush Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rush Island Lake?
Rush Island Lake covers about 296.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rush Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rush Island Lake averages 10.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Rush Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Rush Island Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Rush Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Rush Island Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Rush Island Lake?
Rush Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Rush Island Lake.
How is the walleye population on Rush Island Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2021, walleye numbers on Rush Island Lake ran mostly within 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 Island Lake?
Homes on Rush Island 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 Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Rush Island Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 33% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.8 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 Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Rush Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Rush Island Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), 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.