Rush Lake
About Rush Lake
Rush Lake is an 858-acre lake near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 105 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface). OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rush Lake
- 858 acres, up to 105 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 16.8 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 858 acres
- Max depth
- 105 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 499 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 21
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- April 5, 2016
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 20, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rush Lake
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See how Rush Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Island Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake232 acres
1.2 miles away
Big Trout Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach1,366 acres
1.7 miles away
Ox Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach241 acres
1.8 miles away
Cross Lake Reservoir
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake1,815 acres
1.8 miles away
Daggett Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake258 acres
2.3 miles away
Pig Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake196 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 858 acres and reaches 105 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake covers 858 acres with about 14.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 105 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rush Lake?
Yes. Rush Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rush Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Rush Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rush Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rush Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Rush Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 5, 2016 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Rush Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rush Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.