Rice Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be extremely active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Rice Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Lake, MN
- How big is Rice Lake?
- How deep is Rice Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Rice Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Rice Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Rice Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Rice Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Rice Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Rice Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Rice Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Rice Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Rice Lake?
How big is Rice Lake?
How deep is Rice Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Rice Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Common Shiner, Greater Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Lake Whitefish, Logperch, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Rice Lake?
What are the closest cities to Rice Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Rice Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Rice Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Rice Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Rice Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Rice Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Rice Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Rice Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Rice Lake is a 322 acre impoundment of the Mississippi River created by a dam owned by the City of Brainerd. Because of this, not only will anglers find typical lake species, but there are also riverine species present as well. One of those species that has really taken off is Channel Catfish. The catch rate in 2021 of 32.7/net was up considerably from the previous survey in 2014 (1.1/gill net). Average size was 16.8", with fish ranging from 9.5" to 24.5".
Another fish species that you won't find a lot of places in the Brainerd Area is Smallmouth Bass. They were caught in above average numbers (1.3/gill net) for this type of lake. Average length was 12.9" and 58% were 12" or larger. Fish up to 17.8" were caught. Night electrofishing was done for both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. While only one Smallmouth Bass was captured, Largemouth were captured at the rate of 36.4/hour. This was up from the previous survey in 2014 (15.5/hour). Average length was 13.6" and 85% were 12" or larger.
Panfish are popular on Rice in both the winter and open water seasons. In 2021, new regulations were adopted for the Mississippi River from the Brainerd Dam upstream to Highway 6, including Rice Reservoir, that reduces the daily possession limit to 5 for crappie and sunfish. This new regulation is intended to protect and improve panfish sizes on this stretch of water. The average size of Black Crappies in this survey was 8.2", with 59% measuring 8" or larger. Bluegill average size was 7.5", with 28% of the fish 7" or larger.
Walleye were caught in average numbers (2.6/gill net) for this type of lake. Average length was 13.0" and 64% of the fish were 12" or larger.
Northern Pike numbers were low at 1.3/gill net. Average size was 23.4", with 33% of the fish within the 22-26" protected slot and 33% over 26". Muskellunge offer another unique fish that anglers may try for. Although none were sampled during the survey, there are angler reports of fisherman catching them in Rice Lake as well as the Mississippi River. Seven fish were caught in a special Muskellunge assessment in the spring of 2017 on this stretch of the reservoir.
What is the average air temp for Rice Lake?
Are there any state parks near Rice Lake?
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Crow Wing State Park
Pillsbury State Forest
Crow Wing State Forest
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Rice Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 0.9 mi | 10 | |
| Gilbert Lake | 1.6 mi | 357 | 45 ft |
| Rice Lake | 1.9 mi | 64 | |
| Little Menomin Lake | 2.6 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.9 mi | 25 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.2 mi | 10 | |
| Green Lake | 3.6 mi | 11 | 22 ft |
| Mud Lake | 3.7 mi | 143 | |
| Sorenson Lake | 3.9 mi | 92 | 46 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 4.4 mi | 62 |
