Status of the Fishery (as of 08/17/98)
Rush Lake is a 5,337 acre lake located in central Otter Tail County. The lake is part of the Otter Tail River chain of lakes including Big and Little
Pine Lakes above and Otter Tail Lake below. The inlet to Rush Lake is located on the north side and the outlet on the southwest side of the lake.
Rush Lake has a maximum depth of 68 feet; however, 62% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. Public accesses are located at the outlet on the southwest side and on the northeast side of the lake. The lake contains large areas of bulrush and cattails. These areas are important components of the lake. They provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat during all stages of life and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Bulrush and
cattail beds are also natural shoreline stabilizers, reducing erosion caused from wave action and they can even absorb pollutants from the water. Because of their ecological value, bulrush may not be removed without a DNR permit. Rush Lake is a popular lake for both open water and winter angling. The lake is known primarily for walleye, however, the lake also provides excellent bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike angling opportunities. Data from fish population assessments show that these species are abundant with good size structures and capable of maintaining healthy populations on their own. The Rush Lake Association completed a walleye spawning habitat project in Boedigheimer Creek during the winter of 1999. Rock was added to the creek bed providing additional walleye spawning habitat.