Big Rice

Big Rice Lake is a 633 acre lake on the Turtle River Chain with a maximum depth of 13 feet. It is upstream of Kitchi and Little Rice lakes and is accessible via the Turtle River from either upstream or downstream. The majority of the shoreline is undeveloped wetland with an abundance of bog and marsh. Big Rice is primarily managed for Northern Pike followed by panfish and Walleye. Walleye fry are stocked on alternating years. The Walleye population in Big Rice is highly dependent on seasonal migrations. A total of 11 Walleye were captured in 2019 resulting in a catch rate just short of 3 fish/net which is typical for this type of lake. Lengths ranged from 10 to 25 inches and averaged just over 18 inches in length. The Northern Pike population is likely more residual than the Walleye population. A total of 21 pike were captured in 4 nets resulting in a catch rate of about 5 fish/net. Pike lengths ranged from 13 to 27 inches and averaged about 20 inches. Bluegill are fairly abundant with 146 fish captured in trap nets. Size quality is excellent with fish over 10 inches in length present. The Bluegill in Big Rice grow relatively fast, reaching lengths over 7 inches by age 4. Yellow Perch were captured in good abundance. Perch larger than 11 inches were observed and average size was just short of 8 inches. The perch population appears to have remained relatively stable over the past decade or more.

BIG RICE LAKE APPEARS TO SUPPORT MODERATELY DENSE POPULATIONS OF SMALL NORTHERN PIKE AND YELLOW PERC H. GILLNET CATCHES OF WALLEYE SUGGEST HIGHER THAN AVERAGE NUMBERS OF WALLEYE BUT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND INFLUENCE OF THE RIVER MAY CAUSE LARGE VARIAT IONS IN WALLEYE PRESENCE. A RELATIVELY LARGE NUMB ER OF SPECIES ARE PRESENT AS EXPECTED IN A MORE LO TIC THAN LACUSTRINE ENVIRONMENT. ALTHOUGH NOT DEM ONSTRATED, BIG RICE AND LITTLE RICE LAKES MAY SERV E AS NOP NURSERY AREAS FOR CONENCTED LAKES WITH LE SS SUITABLE SPAWNING HABITAT. WALLEYE MEDIAN CPE FOR CLASS 40 LAKE WAS 4.7 PER LIFT. MEDIAN CPE FO R NORTHRN PIKE IN CLASS 40 LAKES WAS 5.3.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie in Big Rice. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Big Rice. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Big Rice has a maximum depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Big Rice is from 2019.

Yes — Big Rice has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Big Rice, covering sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.