Rockstad Lake
About Rockstad Lake
Rockstad Lake is a 142-acre lake near Zerkel in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Rockstad Lake
- 142 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Zerkel
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 142 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 122 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- 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
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rockstad Lake
Compare Rockstad Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rockstad Lake?
Rockstad Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Zerkel. It covers 142 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rockstad Lake?
Rockstad Lake covers 142 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rockstad Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rockstad Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Rockstad Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rockstad 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 Rockstad Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rockstad Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.