Rice Lake
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a 331-acre lake near Shieldsville in Rice County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 3 feet, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2015.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake
- 331 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Shieldsville
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 331 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Average depth
- 3 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 331 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- 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.
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
Hunt Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville176 acres
1.9 miles away
Caron Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Kilkenny319 acres
1.9 miles away
Shields Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville940 acres
3.5 miles away
Cedar Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Warsaw902 acres
3.6 miles away
French Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault876 acres
4.6 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville417 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is in Rice County, Minnesota, near Shieldsville. It covers 331 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers 331 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet and its average depth is about 3 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth 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?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Rice Lake.
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.