East Rush

East Rush Lake is a 1,481-acre lake in northern Chisago County located four miles west of Rush City, MN, and is within the Lower St. Croix River Watershed. The lake has a maximum depth of 24 feet, an average depth of 8 feet, and 70% of the lake is 15 feet or less (1,033 acres). East Rush has four inlets, three small ones from adjacent wetlands and a larger connection to West Rush Lake. It has one outlet, Rush Creek, which flows downstream into the St. Croix River. Recent aquatic vegetation surveys have indicated species diversity was average, which is influenced by low water clarity (2-3 feet) and the presence of non-native plants including Curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. Floating and emergent vegetation is limited and mainly located in the southeast bay. Sand is the most common substrate followed by clay and gravel. A high amount of shoreline development is present. There is a state administered concrete access on the northeast shore of the lake with space for 30 rigs. A netting survey using 15 large frame traps nets to target Muskie was conducted on East Rush Lake from April 9 -29, 2024. There were 4 older style trap nets used (4 x 5 foot frames) and 11 (5 x 6 foot frames) large trap nets used. The four older style nets are shorter and were used in very shallow areas in an attempt to get the nets closer to the shoreline. These nets still had to be out from the shoreline to get the throats under water. Some nets were moved during the survey for a total of 18 different net locations. Initial sets were placed where most of the fish had been caught in previous surveys. In addition to Muskies, data was collected from all Northern Pike and Walleye sampled. Data was also collected from a subsample of Black Crappie for a research project. Water temperatures ranged from 50-60 degrees during this survey. Muskies spawn at temperatures within this range, with peak spawning activity typically occurring around 55 degrees. This was the eighth spring Muskie assessment on East Rush Lake, with previous surveys that occurred in 1987, 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2017. Nets were checked daily for 20 consecutive days. All Muskie, Northern Pike, and Walleye were measured, while Muskie were weighed, and examined for a tag. If a tag was not present, Muskies were tagged with an individual PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag. A subsample of Black Crappies were measured and ageing structures were collected. A total of 47 Muskies were caught in 2024, 11 females, 34 males, and 1 immature fish. The catch rate in 2024 was 0.17/net, compared to the catch rate of 0.15/net in 2017. The number of Muskies caught between the eight surveys has varied due to spring sampling conditions, sampling effort, changes in population size, and other variables. The number of Muskies sampled throughout the various surveys was: 1987 (38), 1992 (18), 1997 (44), 2001 (82), 2006 (32), 2011 (39), 2017 (22), and 2024 (47). Females ranged in length from 41.8-52.0 inches and had an average length of 47.0 inches. Female average weight was 25.8 pounds, with a range from 16.2 to 37.2 pounds. Males ranged in length from 33.4-43.3 inches and had an average length of 38.9 inches. Male average weight was 14.8 pounds, with a range from 8.7 to 23.9 pounds. In addition to the Muskies sampled in 2024, 1,431 Walleyes and 667 Northern Pike were also sampled and measured. Walleye ranged in length from 12.6-31.9 inches and had an average length of 20.4 inches. Northern Pike ranged in length from 12.7-39.0 inches and had an average length of 28.6 inches. A special regulation is present for Northern Pike which requires all pike from 26-40 inches must be immediately released. The possession limit is 3, which can only include 1 over 40 inches. Overall, 31% of pike sampled were less than 26 inches and available for harvest, while 44% were 30-39 inches. Data was also collected from 158 Black Crappies. Past standard surveys on East Rush Lake have occurred in August, which is not the most appropriate time to evaluate an adult crappie population. A Muskellunge survey from mid-April through mid-May 2011 measured 241 Black Crappies, which was the first adult crappie survey during the spawning season. The second spawning survey occurred in 2024, when 158 Black Crappies were measured during the Muskellunge survey and aging structures were collected. In 2024, Black Crappie ranged from 2.8 inches to 11.8 inches and had an average length of 7.8 inches. Crappies in 2011 ranged from 4.8 to 11.2 inches and had an average length of 7.9 inches. In 2024, 7.4 percent of crappie measured were greater than 10 inches in length compared to 5.4 percent in 2011. In 2024, crappies from twelve age classes were sampled based on estimated otolith ages and ranged from age-1 through age-13. Ages 2-5 were most frequently sampled. On average, it took six years to attain 10 inches. Overall, the Muskie, Northern Pike, and Walleye populations are very healthy and balanced in East Rush Lake. This fishery provides great opportunities for anglers to catch a diversity of species. Trophy Muskies, pike, and Walleyes are available for photo opportunities, while there are lots of pike and Walleyes available for harvest. Additionally, East Rush Lake has excellent Black Crappie and Bluegill fisheries.

East Rush Lake is a 1,480-acre lake located in northern Chisago County. Much of the lake is less than 15 feet (1,033 acres or 70%), and the maximum depth is 24 feet. Water clarity is low, with visibility to only 2 feet. A high amount of shoreline development is present. Primary management species include Walleye, Muskellunge, and Northern Pike, while Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass are secondary management species. To assess the current fish population and stocking efforts, a lake survey was conducted in August with gill and trap nets. The Walleye gillnet catch rate was 3.3 per net, an increase from the 2019 catch rate of 2.6 per net, and the same as the average. Sampled Walleye (gill and trap nets combined) ranged from 12.2 to 27.0 inches and had an average length of 19.2 inches. Currently the Walleye population is average in number and size. The Northern Pike gillnet catch rate was 6.5 per net, compared to 4.0 per net in 2019. The pike population is presently at a high level. The 2023 gillnet catch of 78 pike was the highest number sampled dating back to 1972. Sampled pike (gill and trap nets combined) ranged from 15.3 to 37.0 inches and had an average length of 27.1 inches. The current regulation (26 to 40-inch protected slot, one over 40 inches, 3 fish bag limit) appears to have increased the number of fish over 30 inches. Thirty-two percent of pike were 30 inches or longer. Pike over 40 inches are rare, as only one has been sampled between all lake surveys. Thirty-one percent of the pike sampled were below 26 inches, which indicates there is a good number of harvestable sized pike. Yellow Perch, primary prey species for both Northern Pike and Walleye, have historically had high catch rates. The 2023 gillnet catch rate was lower than previous surveys, and one of the lower catches dating back to 1972. The gillnet catch rate was 19.4 per net, compared to 31.1 per net in 2019. However, the average length improved and was 8.2 inches. Sampled perch ranged from 4.7 to 11.3 inches. There remains a good number of perch to provide prey for game fish. Overall, 64% of perch were 8 inches or larger, so there is also a high percentage of harvestable size fish. Gill net catches of Black Crappie indicated numbers were high. The 2023 catch was the highest, both by rate and number. A total of 670 crappie were sampled, which resulted in a catch rate of 55.8 per net. The catch rate was above the average of 23.3 per net. Sampled crappie (trap and gill nets combined) ranged in length from 4.3 to 11.4 inches, with 5.0 to 5.5 inch crappies most commonly sampled. The average length was 6.6 inches. Although crappie numbers are high, the average size is currently low. There was a total of 135 Bluegill caught in the trap nets, which resulted in a catch rate of 11.3 per net. This was slightly below the average catch rate for the lake. Sampled Bluegill (trap and gill nets combined) ranged from 2.2 to 9.4 inches and had an average length of 6.3 inches. The most commonly sampled lengths were 7.0 to 8.0 inches. Nineteen percent were over 8 inches, while only one was over 9 inches. Currently, the Bluegill population is fairly balanced. No spring electrofishing was conducted for Largemouth Bass. There were two bass sampled in gill nets and three in trap nets. The two bass from gill nets were 13.4 and 13.5 inches, while the three from trap nets were 12.6, 17.0, and 17.6 inches. A Muskellunge spawning survey scheduled for spring 2023 was rescheduled to spring 2024 due to the lack of staff capacity. Overall, the fishing on East Rush Lake for many species should be good. The Walleye population appears to be near the long-term average with a good average size. Northern Pike numbers are currently up, and a good percentage are 30 inches and longer. Good numbers of nice sized perch are present. There is a very high number of crappie although they are currently small. Bluegill number and size is average.

East Rush Lake is a large (1480 acre) lake in northern Chisago County. It is connected by a navigable channel to West Rush Lake, but the two lakes are very different in structure. East Rush is shallower, with a maximum depth of 24 feet, and more windswept. Algae blooms can result in low water clarity in late summer. The two lakes are managed primarily for Walleye, Muskellunge, and Northern Pike with Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass as the secondary management species. Trap nets, electrofishing, and gill nets were utilized during August of 2019 to assess the current fish populations. Overall, the fishing on East Rush Lake for many species should be quite good. There are good numbers of Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Northern Pike. A 24-36 inch protected slot regulation for Northern Pike has been in place since 2005 on East Rush Lake, and was changed to a 26-40 inch protected slot in July of 2015. These regulations are intended to increase the numbers of larger Pike. Numbers of Northern Pike in the 2019 survey were normal for the lake type and higher than the historic average and the previous assessment. Northerns averaged 29 inches and 5 pounds, their highest since 1985. It is hoped that the newer protected slot limit will continue to produce quality Northern Pike angling while expanding harvest opportunity to 26 inches in length. As in 2015, Walleyes were numbers were below their historic average but were still within the normal range for this lake type. A variety of sizes are present, with fish in excess of 27 inches present. Although some natural reproduction may take place, the Walleye population is primarily a result of stocking efforts. Largemouth Bass, sampled by night electrofishing on May 29, were less abundant than the some other Chisago County lakes. However, size remains good with the majority of bass 12 inches in length or larger and a 15 inch average. Black Crappies were again abundant with the gill net catch exceeding the norm for the lake class. While 10% of the catch exceeded 9 inches in length, half the catch was 8 inches or better. Yellow Perch were more abundant and larger than typical for the lake type. Perch averaged nearly 8 inches in the gill nets with a fourth of the catch exceeding 9 inches.

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

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

East Rush has a maximum depth of 24 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in East Rush is from 2023.

Yes — East Rush has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.