Rice Lake
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a 418-acre lake near Brainerd in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake
- 418 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Brainerd
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6.5 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 418 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 202 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2022
- Most recent
- April 16, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rice Lake
Compare Rice Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Rice Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Gilbert Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd357 acres
1.6 miles away
Wise Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Legionville135 acres
4.5 miles away
North Long Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield6,190 acres
4.6 miles away
Mollie Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield334 acres
6.2 miles away
Red Sand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd521 acres
6.2 miles away
Perch Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter266 acres
6.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. It covers 418 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers 418 acres with about 8.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rice Lake?
Yes. Rice Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rice Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rice Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Rice Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rice Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rice Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Rice Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2022.
Does Rice Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rice Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.