Rose Lake
About Rose Lake
Rose Lake is a 1,200-acre lake near Vergas in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 137 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rose Lake
- 1,200 acres, up to 137 feet deep, near Vergas
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.6 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,200 acres
- Max depth
- 137 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 465 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 3, 2017
- Latest
- May 7, 2008
- Most recent
- May 7, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rose Lake
Compare Rose Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Rose Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas1,289 acres
1.5 miles away
Jim Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas100 acres
1.7 miles away
Scalp Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee254 acres
1.9 miles away
Wimer Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee293 acres
2.1 miles away
Five Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee245 acres
2.2 miles away
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Luce326 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rose Lake?
Rose Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. It covers 1,200 acres and reaches 137 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rose Lake?
Rose Lake covers 1,200 acres with about 9.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 137 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rose 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 Rose Lake?
Yes. Rose Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rose Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rose 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 Rose Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Rose Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Rose Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2017 and the latest is May 7, 2008.
Does Rose Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rose Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.