Wild Rice Lake
About Wild Rice Lake
Wild Rice Lake is a 2,372-acre lake near Duluth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Wild Rice Lake
- 2,372 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Duluth
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,372 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,372 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.
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Wild Rice Lake
Compare Wild Rice Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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4.7 miles away
Pike Lake
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Caribou Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth539 acres
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Flowage
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Eagle Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Arnold113 acres
6.9 miles away
Schultz Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fredenberg210 acres
7.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Duluth. It covers 2,372 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake covers 2,372 acres with about 14.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wild Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Wild Rice Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Wild Rice Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wild 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 Wild Rice Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Wild Rice Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Wild Rice Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.