Rush Island

Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31083200

220 Surveys
296.78
Acres
32 ft
Max Depth
19 ft
Mean Depth
14
Fish Species
9
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Rush Island. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 4.8 0.70 lb 7
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 2.1 (normal) 0.5 – 4.8 1.69 lb 19
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.8 1.88 lb 1
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.8 1.75 lb 1
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.5 – 4.8 2.12 lb 12
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 7.7 (above normal) 0.5 – 4.8 1.20 lb 69
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 8.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 4.8 0.29 lb 48
2012-06-11 Standard gill nets 7.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 4.8 0.94 lb 42
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 7.2 (above normal) 0.5 – 4.8 0.71 lb 43

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 7.6 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.03 lb 38
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 1.5 0.98 lb 6
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 5.6 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.73 lb 50
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 1.60 lb 2
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 17.0 (above normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.00 lb 102
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.4 1.08 lb 4
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 9.8 (normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.09 lb 59
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 1.1 3.00 lb 9
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 12.0 (above normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.14 lb 72
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 1.9 (below normal) 3.5 – 10.5 5.19 lb 17
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 16.7 (above normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.37 lb 100
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 1.58 lb 1
2012-06-11 Standard gill nets 11.5 (above normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.18 lb 69
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 1.60 lb 2
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 13.3 (above normal) 3.5 – 10.5 2.41 lb 80
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 0.95 lb 6
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.85 lb 2
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.67 lb 3
1995-06-12 Survey seining 11.0 33
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.25 lb 3
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.06 lb 5
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.43 lb 14
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 2.1 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.46 lb 17
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.68 lb 9
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.41 lb 8
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.35 lb 5
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 0.3 2
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 3.5 0.21 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.4 0.10 lb 2

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.8 – 7.7 0.76 lb 8
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.2 0.70 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 3.2 0.25 lb 3
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.2 0.72 lb 2

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 3.64 lb 5
1995-06-12 Survey seining 0.7 2
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.40 lb 7
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.38 lb 5
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.29 lb 12
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.4 2.25 lb 2
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.05 lb 6
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 1.58 lb 23
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 3.5 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.54 lb 21
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 3.9 5
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 0.4 3
2012-06-11 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.7 2.14 lb 9
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 4.2 (above normal) 0.5 – 2.7 1.21 lb 25
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 1.80 lb 6

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.40 lb 1
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.4 0.57 lb 7
1995-06-12 Survey seining 207.7 623
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 5.2 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.30 lb 47
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 2.0 0.28 lb 12
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 17.6 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.25 lb 158
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.7 0.35 lb 10
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 2.3 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.33 lb 18
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 1.0 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.15 lb 6
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.10 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 0.10 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 18.0 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.12 lb 144
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 7.1 9
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 7.1 (normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.17 lb 64
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 2.9 23
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 0.22 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 3.0 (below normal) 6.1 – 46.6 0.16 lb 27
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 16.5 22
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 4.0 20
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 4.0 4

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 7.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.27 lb 29
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 211.4 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.24 lb 1057
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 24.6 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.20 lb 221
1995-06-12 Survey seining 21.3 64
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 333.1 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.21 lb 2998
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.21 lb 13
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 25.0 (normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.09 lb 150
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 3.0 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.18 lb 24
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 180.5 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.11 lb 1083
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 11.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.28 lb 68
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 81.2 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.28 lb 487
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 4.5 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.24 lb 68
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 136.8 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.26 lb 1231
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 8.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.12 lb 64
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 108.0 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.06 lb 648
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 11.9 95
2012-06-11 Standard gill nets 101.7 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.07 lb 610
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 13.4 17
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 4.9 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.16 lb 44
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 15.6 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.15 lb 140
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 217.8 (above normal) 3.4 – 43.6 0.09 lb 1307
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 4.5 6
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.6 3
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 7.0 7

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.68 lb 9
1984-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 4.30 lb 1
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.27 lb 2
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.39 lb 11
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 4.63 lb 1
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.24 lb 20
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.7 4.00 lb 1
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.23 lb 12
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 1.50 lb 2
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 5.6 (above normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.71 lb 50
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 2.5 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 2.91 lb 15
2012-06-11 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 1.85 lb 11
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 2.31 lb 3
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 4.3 (normal) 1.3 – 5.0 3.03 lb 26
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 0.7 2.94 lb 6

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1984-08-20 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.80 lb 1
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.75 lb 1
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.61 lb 11
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.33 lb 2
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.57 lb 7
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.3 – 9.8 0.63 lb 2
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.2 1

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 0.4 – 2.1 0.89 lb 14
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.37 lb 1
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.19 lb 1
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.63 lb 3
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.12 lb 10
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.75 lb 1
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.00 lb 3
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.48 lb 6
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.00 lb 3
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 0.57 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.44 lb 1
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 0.1 1
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.4 – 2.1 1.03 lb 2
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.03 lb 2

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-12 Survey seining 36.7 110
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 4.6 37
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 11.0 14
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 174.0 174
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 6.8 9

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-12 Survey seining 33.3 100
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 2.3 18
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 3.9 5
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.0 1
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 14.3 19
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.6 3

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-12 Survey seining 53.7 161
1995-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.76 lb 3
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.48 lb 7
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 2.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.33 lb 16
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.19 lb 10
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 2.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.45 lb 16
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.83 lb 3
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 2.2 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.56 lb 13
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.33 lb 6
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.50 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.34 lb 1
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 0.3 2
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.34 lb 9
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.9 0.37 lb 4
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.5 – 1.8 0.46 lb 8

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-12 Survey seining 6.0 18
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.7 4.41 lb 1
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 1.85 lb 5
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 1
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 14.8 118
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 11.0 14
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.06 lb 1
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 26.3 35
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 4.2 21
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.0 1

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 4.6 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.32 lb 41
2021-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 0.12 lb 3
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 4.8 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.13 lb 43
1979-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.5 0.31 lb 9
1979-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.25 lb 5
1989-06-13 Standard gill nets 0.2 0.40 lb 1
1989-06-13 Standard trap nets 10.3 (above normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.11 lb 62
1959-06-29 Standard gill nets 0.1 0.20 lb 1
1959-06-29 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.30 lb 5
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 5.0 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.20 lb 40
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 3.1 4
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.7 (below normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.23 lb 15
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 2.0 16
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 0.09 lb 1
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 3.2 (normal) 2.0 – 8.5 0.11 lb 29
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 2.3 3
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 1.2 6
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.0 1

BNS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-12 Survey seining 16.7 50
2021-08-16 50-ft beach seine 1.0 1
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.4 – 1.3 3.63 lb 8
2021-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.4 – 1.3 4.97 lb 8
2006-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.6 7.77 lb 1
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.4 – 1.3 3.88 lb 5
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.4 – 1.3 3.33 lb 5
2000-06-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.6 3.91 lb 2
2000-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.4 – 1.3 4.22 lb 4

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2006-06-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.82 lb 1
2012-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 0.50 lb 2
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

BCS

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 0.6 5
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

CRC

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 1

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 15-ft beach seine 2.5 20
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 2.4 3

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 4.7 6
2021-08-16 Backpack electrofishing 2.3 3

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 3.1 4
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.2 1

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-11 Backpack electrofishing 1.6 2
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.2 1

BKF

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2021-08-16 15-ft beach seine 0.4 2

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Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Rush Island. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Brown BullheadHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassTullibee (Cisco)WalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

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Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.