Red Rock Lake
About Red Rock Lake
Red Rock Lake is a 451-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 64 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, burbot, and tullibee (cisco). The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. Red Rock Lake #7 and Red Rock Lake #5 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Red Rock Lake
- 451 acres, up to 64 feet deep, near Tofte
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, burbot, and tullibee (cisco)
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Camping close to the water at Red Rock Lake #7 and Red Rock Lake #5
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 451 acres
- Max depth
- 64 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 146 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
- Camping: Red Rock Lake #7, Red Rock Lake #5, and Red Rock Lake #6
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Red Rock Lake #7, Red Rock Lake #5, Red Rock Lake #6, and Red Rock Lake #1 are mapped on or near Red Rock Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Red Rock Lake
Compare Red Rock Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Red Rock Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
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Zephyr Lake
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Sea Gull Lake
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Gull Lake
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Jasper Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Red Rock Lake?
Red Rock Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte. It covers 451 acres and reaches 64 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Red Rock Lake?
Red Rock Lake covers 451 acres with about 12.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 64 feet.
What fish can you catch at Red Rock Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), and Lake Whitefish. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Red Rock Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Red Rock Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Red Rock 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 Red Rock Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Red Rock Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Red Rock Lake?
Yes. Red Rock Lake #7, Red Rock Lake #5, and Red Rock Lake #6 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Red Rock Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Red Rock Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.