Rush Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. DNR lake ID 56014100.
Rush Lake is a 5,276-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Ottertail. Its deepest point reaches 68 ft, and about 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic 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 | 56014100 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Ottertail |
| Surface area | 5,276 acres |
| Maximum depth | 68 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 63% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 28.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 11.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.0 ft, phosphorus 28.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 11.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rush Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Rush Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 6.83 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.09 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.08 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.0 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.09 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.92 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.09 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.42 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 18.45 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.5 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.36 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.55 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.18 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 28.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019), Walleye 18.0 in (2022).
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), Burbot, Lake sturgeon, Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, 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 2017).
Public boat access
- Rush Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 6.5 mi SW of New York Mills to NE shore. Directions
- Rush Lake (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 18 trailer spaces. 3 mi N of downtown Ottertail on Mn Hwy 78 to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Round Lake 3.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buchanan Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Boedigheimer Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Head Lake 4.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage (main bay) 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Portage Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Donalds Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rice Lake 5.0 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Rush Lake
How deep is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake reaches a maximum depth of 68 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake covers about 5,276 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rush Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rush Lake averages 7.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Rush Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Rush Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Rush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Rush Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Rush Lake?
Rush Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Rush Lake (E); Rush Lake (W).
How is the walleye population on Rush Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2001 to 2022, walleye numbers on Rush 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 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?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 63% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.0 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?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Rush Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Rush 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 2022), 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.