Rush-Hen Lake

Rush-Hen is a lake many visitors pass through without stopping, and that is part of its appeal. The DNR treats Rush and Hen as one 858-acre lake with almost 15 miles of shore and a maximum depth of 105 feet. Average clarity is about 17 feet, among the clearest on the chain.

There is no public launch on Rush-Hen. Boats come in by channel from Cross Lake or Lower Whitefish, which keeps traffic lighter than on the big lakes on either side.

Where it sits on the chain

Rush-Hen sits between Lower Whitefish and Cross Lake, linked to both by channels. That puts owners within easy reach of Crosslake while keeping a quieter feel at home.

Roughly half the lake is 15 feet deep or less, so it mixes broad shallow flats with deep holes. That variety shows up from lot to lot: some frontage is shallow and weedy, some drops off quickly.

Fishing: what the DNR found

Northern pike were abundant in the 2024 survey and averaged 21.4 inches; 17% of the 99 pike sampled were 26 inches or longer, with one near 31 inches. Walleye were few but big, averaging 19 inches with fish to nearly 30 inches; they come from the chain-wide stocking.

Lake whitefish and cisco remain plentiful, with whitefish averaging 17 inches. Bluegill were numerous but small in the June survey, and the DNR suggests larger bluegill may have been nesting or offshore. Rush-Hen is listed as infested with zebra mussels.

What it is like to own here

Rush-Hen is a good fit for owners who want clear water and a calmer feel without giving up access to the rest of the chain. Because there is no public launch, you will either keep a boat at your dock or launch elsewhere and run in.

Its clarity makes sand and rock frontage especially attractive. On shallow stretches, check how far out you need to go for boating depth and whether the lot needs a longer dock.

Getting on the water

No public launch on Rush-Hen. Reach it by channel from Cross Lake or Lower Whitefish.

Rules every owner on the chain should know

• Panfish limits: since 2021 the Whitefish Chain has a special daily limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappie, to protect panfish size.
• Northern pike: the chain is in the DNR's north-central pike zone. All pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released right away, and you may keep no more than 2 over 26 inches (possession limit 10). Check the current regulations each season.
• Aquatic invasive species: zebra mussels are present in the chain. Before you leave any access, remove plants and animals from boats and trailers, pull the plug and drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait wells. Plan to check docks, lifts and boat hulls when equipment comes out each fall.
• Building, docks and septic: shoreland setbacks, impervious-surface limits, vegetation and septic rules are set by Crow Wing County. Confirm what a specific lot allows with the county before you buy or plan a project.

Buying on Rush-Hen Lake: what to check

• Shore slope and stairs. Deep lakes often mean steeper lots; walk from the cabin to the dock before you fall for the view.
• Bottom type at the waterline: sand, rock, or soft bottom with plants. It decides how you will use the shore.
• Which way the frontage faces and how exposed it is to wind and wakes; west-facing lots get the sunsets.
• Boat access. There is no public launch on this lake, so plan where you will launch or keep a boat at your dock.
• Dock, lift and boat condition, including zebra mussel buildup, and what stays with the sale.
• Septic compliance, well, and what Crow Wing County allows for additions, garages or a new build on the lot.

Selling on Rush-Hen Lake

Lake homes sell on the water as much as on the house: frontage, bottom, depth off the dock, exposure and the view all move the price, and so does how the home is presented. If you are thinking about selling, start with a private valuation. It stays between us, and you decide how far the sale travels from there.

Questions about Rush-Hen Lake

More lakes on the chain