East Rush Lake
About East Rush Lake
East Rush Lake is a 1,494-acre lake near Rush City in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 20 Chisago County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to East Rush Lake
- 1,494 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near Rush City
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,494 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 11 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,033 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 26-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to East Rush Lake
Compare East Rush Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how East Rush Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how East Rush Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how East Rush Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
West Rush Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Rush City1,594 acres
1.9 miles away
Goose Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Stark (Chisago)732 acres
4.2 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Harris224 acres
6.5 miles away
Rabour Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Stark (Chisago)53 acres
6.5 miles away
Fish Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Harris319 acres
7.4 miles away
Long Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Grandy133 acres
8.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Rush Lake?
East Rush Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Rush City. It covers 1,494 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Rush Lake?
East Rush Lake covers 1,494 acres with about 11 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Rush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Rush Lake?
Yes. East Rush Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Rush Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Rush Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is East Rush Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Rush Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on East Rush Lake?
Yes. All from 26-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40".
Does East Rush Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Rush Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.