Rice Lake
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a 365-acre lake near Maple Grove in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.5 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 1994.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 2, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake
- 365 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Maple Grove
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 365 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.5 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 353 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 carry-in access
- Picnic area
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 1994
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 2
- Years of record
- 21
- Earliest
- March 4, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 29, 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.
Nearby Lakes
Fish Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove238 acres
1.4 miles away
Weaver Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove152 acres
1.5 miles away
Eagle Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove296 acres
3.9 miles away
Pike Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove57 acres
4.1 miles away
Bass Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove182 acres
4.5 miles away
Diamond Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rogers (Hennepin)405 acres
6.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Maple Grove. It covers 365 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers 365 acres with about 9.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
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.
When does the ice go out on Rice Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 4, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Rice Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rice Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.