Rush Island Lake
About Rush Island Lake
Rush Island Lake is a 297-acre lake near Talmoon in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Rush Island Lake
- 297 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Talmoon
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 297 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 99 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rush Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cedar Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund178 acres
1.3 miles away
Sand Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake3,579 acres
2.5 miles away
Portage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Inger715 acres
3 miles away
Little Whitefish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund160 acres
3.3 miles away
Little Sand Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake353 acres
3.5 miles away
Whitefish Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt564 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rush Island Lake?
Rush Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. It covers 297 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rush Island Lake?
Rush Island Lake covers 297 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rush Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rush Island Lake?
Yes. Rush Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rush Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rush Island 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 Rush Island Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Rush Island Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.