Red Rock

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Red Rock Lake on August 7th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 57.1 feet), the water temperature decreased to 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 14.3 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 51.2 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 37.0 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Lake Whitefish was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 5.1 degrees C (41.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 1972 and 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with similar conditions recorded in both surveys.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Red Rock Lake, on August 6, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as Tullibee, are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 16.1 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 54.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer in the water column was 38.6 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.5 degrees C (43.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1972 during the late summer thermal stress period indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. Data were also collected outside the thermal maximum period in 2023, this data indicated suitable oxythermal habitat during that sampling period. The least favorable oxythermal habitat conditions were recorded in 1972 during the peak summer stress period, when the suitable habitat layer thickness was 22.8 feet. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Red Rock Lake, on August 6, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as Tullibee, are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 16.1 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 54.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer in the water column was 38.6 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.5 degrees C (43.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1972 during the late summer thermal stress period indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. Data were also collected outside the thermal maximum period in 2023, this data indicated suitable oxythermal habitat during that sampling period. The least favorable oxythermal habitat conditions were recorded in 1972 during the peak summer stress period, when the suitable habitat layer thickness was 22.8 feet. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass in Red Rock. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Red Rock. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Red Rock has a maximum depth of 64 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — Red Rock has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.