Red Rock

Red Rock Lake is a 902-acre shallow lake located approximately seven miles northeast of Hoffman. Maximum depth is 22 feet. Average depth is estimated at 9 feet. Water transparency has improved over time, averaging over 10 feet during early summer months since 2010. A trend in increasing water clarity is expected to continue with the discovery of zebra mussels in 2022. The basin's high fertility can cause reductions in water clarity due to algal growth, particularly in late summer and after heavy winds. Most residential development is limited to the north basin of Red Rock Lake. A public access is located along the east shoreline. This access is shallow and launching larger boats during low water levels can be problematic. A standard fisheries survey was completed in 2025 to evaluate abundance and size distribution of gamefish populations. Survey methodology included a spring electrofishing survey, completed May 23, to effectively sample the Largemouth Bass population. The gill netting component of the standard survey was completed June 2-5. In 2022 a special regulation was implemented that reduced the daily sunfish limit from 20 down to 10. As an evaluation requirement of this special regulation, trap netting was conducted during the spring (April 30-May 2) when panfish are more susceptible to capture. These sampling practices will be standard protocol for future fisheries surveys on Red Rock Lake. Red Rock Lake supports a healthy Walleye fishery, which is supplemented with combined fingerling stockings by the MN DNR and private user groups. Gill net catch rates of 7.7 Walleye/net exceeded management objectives and were the highest on record. Walleye grow rapidly in this productive basin and typically reach 15.1 inches by age 3. The largest Walleye was 23.6 inches, and 52% of the Walleyes were larger than 15.0 inches. Northern Pike abundance remained at a desirable level (6.9/gill net). Average length was 23.6 inches. The largest pike measured 33.1 inches. Anglers are reminded that new pike zone regulations were implemented in 2018. Red Rock Lake is located in the North-Central Zone. Anglers can now keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Harvesting smaller pike can help shift the population towards larger individuals and reduce the number of predators for young Walleye and other gamefish. Largemouth Bass proved to be moderately abundant. Growth rates are well above average with bass reaching 12.0 inches by age 3. Size structure of the electrofishing catch described a quality fishery. Seventy-one percent of the Largemouth Bass sampled were over 12.0 inches and the largest bass observed was 18.5 inches. Bluegill catch rates (16.0 fish/trap net) were moderate in 2025. Many large Bluegill were observed during the survey. Sixty-six percent of the Bluegill were over 8 inches in length. Growth rates of Bluegill in Red Rock Lake are fast and 6-year-old fish averaged almost 9.3 inches. The largest Bluegill observed in the survey was over 10.2 inches. Black Crappie catch rates were high and the majority of fish were age 5 and younger. 26% of the fish were greater than 10 inches in length. Black Crappie growth rates are moderate; average length of age 4 fish was 9.0 inches. The largest Black Crappie in the sample was 14.0 inches and the oldest crappie was 11 years old. Yellow Perch numbers were low during the 2025 survey. Perch are preferred prey for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Significant predation likely limits the Yellow Perch population from maintaining a size structure appealing to anglers. The only other species sampled during the 2025 survey were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead. The next standard lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2031. Red Rock Lake was designated as an infested waterbody after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2022. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.

A targeted survey was completed on Red Rock Lake in spring 2023 to assess Bluegill and Black Crappie populations. A special regulation that reduced the daily sunfish limit from 20 to 10 was implemented in 2022. The goal of this new regulation is to maintain or increase the average size of Bluegill. This survey was a repeat from 2022 in an attempt to increase sample size for Bluegill and will be used to help evaluate the reduced sunfish limit regulation. The current Bluegill population can be described as having moderate abundance, quality size structure, and fast growth rates. Average size of Bluegill sampled in 2023 was 7.1 inches and 0.3 pounds. The largest Bluegill observed in the survey measured 9.5 inches. Twenty-two percent of the Bluegill sample was over 8 inches in length. The Black Crappie population can also be described as having a quality size structure and fast growth rates. Average size of Black Crappie sampled in 2023 was 10.5 inches and 0.8 pounds. The largest Black Crappie observed in the survey measured 14.0 inches. Approximately 65% of the crappie sampled were over 10 inches in length and 38% exceeded 12 inches. Quality fishing opportunities exist for multiple species in Red Rock Lake. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help sustain the quality of the fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while promoting harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish can help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future. Red Rock Lake was designated as an infested water due to the discovery of zebra mussels in 2022. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.

A targeted survey was completed in the spring of 2022 on Red Rock Lake to assess the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations. A special regulation that reduced the daily sunfish limit from 20 down to 10 was also implemented in the spring of 2022. The goal of this new regulation is to maintain or increase the average size of Bluegill. This survey will be used to help evaluate effects of the regulation on the Bluegill population. Bluegill catch rates were low, but some quality Bluegill were observed. Forty-two percent of the Bluegill were over 8 inches in length. Growth rates of Bluegill in Red Rock Lake are fast, and age 4 Bluegill averaged 8 inches in length. The largest Bluegill observed in the survey was almost 10 inches. Black Crappie catch rates were high and a variety of sizes were observed in the survey. Approximately 35% of the fish were greater than 10 inches in length. Black Crappie growth rates are fast; average length of age 4 fish was over 10 inches. The largest Black Crappie in the sample was 14 inches and the oldest crappie was 11 years old. Quality fishing opportunities exist for multiple species in Red Rock Lake. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help sustain the quality of the fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while promoting harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish can help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future. Red Rock Lake was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2022. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.

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

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

Red Rock has a maximum depth of 22 feet and a mean depth of 9.1 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Red Rock is from 2025.

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