Rice Lake
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a 1,513-acre lake near Paynesville in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 41 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.9 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 51 Stearns County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 36 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rice Lake
- 1,513 acres, up to 41 feet deep, near Paynesville
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,513 acres
- Max depth
- 41 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 958 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 21
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 6
- Years of record
- 36
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 28, 2025
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.
See how Rice Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Rice Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Rice Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Rice Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
North Brown's Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley312 acres
3.9 miles away
Big Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond458 acres
3.9 miles away
Long Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond487 acres
4.5 miles away
Eden Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley278 acres
4.5 miles away
Vails Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley161 acres
4.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond629 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Paynesville. It covers 1,513 acres and reaches 41 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers 1,513 acres with about 14.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 41 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish 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 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.
When does the ice go out on Rice Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 36 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Rice Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rice Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.