Rock Lake
About Rock Lake
Rock Lake is a 379-acre lake near Russell in Lyon County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 13 Lyon County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish. 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county.
Plan Your Visit to Rock Lake
- 379 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Russell
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 379 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 379 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
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Rock Lake
Compare Rock Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Rock Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Rock Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Rock Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Rock Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
McKay Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Balaton167 acres
2 miles away
Clear Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell66 acres
3.6 miles away
Yankton Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Balaton403 acres
4.1 miles away
East Twin Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Florence356 acres
6.7 miles away
Wood Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell373 acres
7 miles away
West Twin Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Florence220 acres
7.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rock Lake?
Rock Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Russell. It covers 379 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rock Lake?
Rock Lake covers 379 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rock Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rock Lake?
Yes. Rock Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rock Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Rock Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Rock Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.