Rose Lake

How big is Rose Lake?

How deep is Rose Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Rose Lake?

What are the closest cities to Rose Lake?

Are there boat launches on Rose Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Rose Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Rose Lake?

Rose Lake is a 1,190-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately one mile east of Vergas, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood woodlots. An outlet dam is located along the south shoreline. The maximum depth is 137 feet; however, 39% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2019 survey was 10.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 5.2 to 14.0 feet.
Shoreline development is moderate and consists of homes, cabins, and resorts. A DNR owned public water access is located off of County Road 4 along the northwest shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and common cattail are located in various areas throughout the lake. These emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from erosion and can absorb and breakdown polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning habitat for fish species like Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Rose Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish-Walleye type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Pike ranged in length from 10.8 to 30.7 inches with an average length and weight of 17.7 inches and 1.2 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 19.6 inches at four years of age.
Walleye abundance has remained stable in recent surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 11.1 to 29.8 inches with an average length and weight of 20.8 inches and 3.3 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 15.8 inches at four years of age.
Data indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists and that bass reproduction is consistently good. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 6.0 to 17.8 inches with an average length 13.2 inches and 1.4 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 13.9 inches at five years of age.
The Bluegill population has remained stable in recent surveys. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Thirty-two percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length and 8% were 8.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.8 inches at seven years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Rose Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
Rose Lake was designated as infested with zebra mussels in 2011. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

What is the average air temp for Rose Lake?

Are there any state parks near Rose Lake?