Rose Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56036000.
Rose Lake is a 1,200-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 137 ft, and about 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56036000 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 1,200 acres |
| Maximum depth | 137 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 39% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.7 ft, phosphorus 15.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rose Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Rose Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 3.89 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.78 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.11 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.58 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.56 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.58 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.11 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 18.83 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.56 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.58 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.11 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.5 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.56 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.58 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.44 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2019), Northern pike 30.0 in (2019), Walleye 29.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2011).
Public boat access
- Rose Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 2 mi NE of Vergas on Cnty Rd 4, then 0.5 mi E to NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Spanky’s Stone Hearth, fine dining on Rose Lake near Vergas, with a locally sourced menu.
Nearby lakes
- Long Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Jim Lake 1.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Scalp Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wimer Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Five Lake 2.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rice Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Six Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Graham Lake 2.8 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Rose Lake
How deep is Rose Lake?
Rose Lake reaches a maximum depth of 137 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rose Lake?
Rose Lake covers about 1,200 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rose Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rose Lake averages 14.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Rose Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Rose Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Rose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Rose Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Rose Lake?
Rose Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Rose Lake.
How is the walleye population on Rose Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2019, walleye numbers on Rose 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 Rose Lake?
Homes on Rose 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 Rose Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Rose Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 39% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rose Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Rose Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Rose Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.