Rush

Rush-Hen Lake is 858 acres and is a part of the 14,000-acre Whitefish Chain of Lakes in northern Crow Wing County. The maximum depth is 105 feet and 58% of Rush-Hen is 15 feet deep or less. There is no public access on Rush-Hen Lake however, it can be accessed via a channel from either Cross Lake or Lower Whitefish Lake. Northern Pike were sampled in high numbers and averaged 21.4". Out of 99 Northern Pike sampled 17% were 26" or greater with the largest fish measuring 30.9". This lake is a part of the north central zone for Northern Pike regulation which, has a possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. Walleye were sampled in low numbers; however, the average length was quality at 19.1". Walleye up to 29.7" were sampled. Walleye are not directly stocked into Rush-Hen; however, the Whitefish chain is stocked annually with fry and every other year with fingerlings. Walleye have the ability to move throughout the whole chain. Bluegill were sampled in high numbers and averaged 5.0" in length. Out of 395 Bluegill sampled only 6% were 7" or greater, indicating a poor size structure. It is possible that larger Bluegill had vacated the shallows or were nesting, making sampling larger fish difficult. Black Crappie were not sampled in the gill nets or the trap nets. A 5-fish daily bag for both Black Crappie and Bluegill were implemented on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in 2021. Largemouth Bass electrofishing was done across the Whitefish Chain, resulting in a catch rate of 44.9 per hour. The average length of Largemouth Bass sampled was 13.1"and the largest measured 19.2". Lake Whitefish and Tullibee continue to have high numbers for the lake. Lake Whitefish sampled had an average length of 17.2". Tullibee sampled had an average length of 11.6". Lake Whitefish and Tullibee are an important prey species for predators like Northern Pike and Walleye. Rush-Hen Lake is designated as AIS (aquatic invasive species) infested waters because of Zebra Mussels. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Temperature-dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins on Rush Lake on August 14th, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Two profiles were collected due to the size and complexity of the lake (i.e., Water Quality Station 1 and 2). Based on the average of the two profiles, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 83.3 feet in Water Quality Station 1 (WQ 1) and 51.6 feet in WQ 2, both of which were well below the thermocline at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L in WQ 1 (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 4.6°C (40.3°F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2°C for Lake Whitefish or 21.5°C for Cisco indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for these species. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for these species was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling. Data collected in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2010, and 2022 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish or Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature-dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basins on Rush Lake on August 14th, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Two profiles were collected due to the size and complexity of the lake (i.e., Water Quality Station 1 and 2). Based on the average of the two profiles, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 83.3 feet in Water Quality Station 1 (WQ 1) and 51.6 feet in WQ 2, both of which were well below the thermocline at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L in WQ 1 (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 4.6°C (40.3°F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2°C for Lake Whitefish or 21.5°C for Cisco indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for these species. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below the thermocline indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for these species was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling. Data collected in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2010, and 2022 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish or Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie in Rush. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Rush. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Rush has a maximum depth of 105 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rush is from 2024.

Yes — Rush has confirmed starry stonewort and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Rush, covering crappie and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.