Rice Lake
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a 266-acre lake near Wells in Faribault County, Minnesota. It reaches 4 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Pihl's Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake
- 266 acres, up to 4 feet deep, near Wells
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Camping close to the water at Pihl's Park
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 266 acres
- Max depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 266 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Pihl's Park
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Pihl's Park is mapped on or near Rice Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rice Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is in Faribault County, Minnesota, near Wells. It covers 266 acres and reaches 4 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers 266 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rice Lake?
Yes. Rice Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Rice Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Rice Lake?
Yes. Pihl's Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.