West Rush Lake

How big is West Rush Lake?

How deep is West Rush Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in West Rush Lake?

What are the closest cities to West Rush Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available West Rush Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of West Rush Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

West Rush Lake

Lower Prior Lake Lake

Are there boat launches on West Rush Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near West Rush Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for West Rush Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations West Rush Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in West Rush Lake?

West Rush Lake is a 1,464-acre lake located in Chisago County. The lake is managed primarily for Walleye, Muskellunge, and Northern Pike, with Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass as secondary management species. In order to assess the current status of the fish community, a population assessment was conducted in August of 2021 with gill nets and trap nets. Night electrofishing was conducted on June 1 for Largemouth Bass.

The Northern Pike gill net catch was 2.1 per net as compared to 0.4 per net in the previous survey in 2016. The 2021 catch was also above the long-term average of 1.53 pike per gill net. The catch was tied for the highest gill net catch by number to 1997 with 25 caught. Sampled Northern Pike (gill net and trap net combined) ranged from 17.5 to 37.9 inches in 2021. The mean length for the combined sample was 28.9 inches. The current Northern Pike special regulation (26 to 40 inch protected slot, 3 fish bag limit, only one can be over 40 inches) appears to have increased the number of fish over 30 inches in the lake (41% of the fish in the 2021 sample were 30 inches or larger), although fish over 40 inches are likely rare, as none have been captured in sampling gear to this point.

The Walleye gill net catch was 1.0 per net, double the 2016 catch rate of 0.5 per net, but below the long-term average of 1.7 per net. Sampled Walleye (gill net and trap net combined) ranged from 13.6 to 26.4 inches, with a mean length of 20.5 inches. Currently the Walleye population is below long-term averages based on gill net catches, but the average size of fish is larger.

Yellow Perch, primary forage for both Northern Pike and Walleye, have historically been high in abundance and the 2021 catch was no exception. It was the fifth highest gill net catch ever with a total catch of 73.8 per net as compared to 74.8 per net in 2016. Most of the fish were between 7.0 and 7.5 inches. The average length for Yellow Perch was 7.4 inches with a range from 5.3 to 10.9 inches. The high number of perch should provide ample forage for game fish, and 22% of the Yellow Perch were 8 inches and larger, so there are also some that anglers can target as well.

Gill net catch of Black Crappie in 2021 indicated high abundance. The 2021 catch was the fifth highest catch historically, both in rate and number, at 285 fish for a catch rate of 23.8 fish per set. This was above the long-term average of 18.2 per set. Sampled Black Crappie (from both trap nets and gill nets) ranged in size from 4.1 to 10.8 inches with most fish from 5.0 to 5.9 inches in length. Gill net mean length was 6.5 inches and trap net mean length was 8.7 inches.

The 2021 Bluegill catch rate was 11.3 fish per trap net, slightly below the long-term average catch rate for Bluegill. Bluegill were also caught in gill nets. Size range for trap nets was 2.8 to 8.7 inches, with an average of 5.6 inches. 34 percent of the catch were 7 inches or greater in length. Size range for gill nets was 4.1 to 8.4 inches, with an average of 7.2 inches.

The Largemouth Bass catch rate of 38.1 per hour was the highest since electrofishing first began in 1997. Mean length was 11.5 inches with a length range of 3.9 to 17.3 inches.

Overall, the fishing on West Rush Lake for many species should be quite good. There are good numbers of Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike based on 2021 sampling with gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing. Currently the Walleye population appears to be lower than the long term average but above the previous survey in 2016. A large percentage of the Northern Pike population is currently a nice size (30 inches and over). Muskellunge are sampled independently and on a 5- to 6- year frequency.

What is the average air temp for West Rush Lake?

Are there any state parks near West Rush Lake?