Rice

Rice Lake is a wide area in the Otter Tail River. Extensive shallow water areas and dense submerged vegetation make it difficult to navigate as well as fish. Rice Lake is subject to periodic partial winterkills. Northern pike abundance was twice the area median at 13.0 per gill net lift. The average weight of northern pike sampled was 1.7 lbs. Pike ranged in age from I+ to V+. Bluegill abundance, as measured by number per trap net was 20.0 per net, which is slightly below the area median of 28.2 per net. The sample of bluegill aged indicated age-classes II+ to VI+ to be present. Forty-five percent of the bluegills sampled were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Yellow perch abundance was 14.0 per gill net lift, which is similar to the area median. One walleye was sampled in the test-nets and was age-VIII+.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Bluegill in 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 Rice. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Rice has a maximum depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rice is from 1988. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Rice in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Rice has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.