Big Rice
A 1,917-acre lake near Britt in St. Louis County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1982.
Fish Species (3)
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1982
Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 79.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 1982 | 79.00 | - | 0.44 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1982
Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 11.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 1982 | 11.50 | - | 1.78 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1982
Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 1982 | 5.50 | - | 2.36 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
This lake is near a regulation-zone boundary — verify the zone on the DNR map.
Biologist Notes
June 12, 1982Big Rice Lake contains above average populations of northern pike, yellow perch and suckers.
Big Rice Lake contains above average populations of northern pike, yellow perch and suckers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Big Rice?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Northern Pike in Big Rice. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Big Rice?
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.
How deep is Big Rice?
Big Rice has a maximum depth of 5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Big Rice last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Big Rice is from 1982. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Big Rice have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Big Rice in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Rice?
No — Big Rice has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 1,917.26 acres
- Max Depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.51 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed
Location
47.6950°N, 92.4900°W
Depth contours: Minnesota DNR, digitized from lake surveys of varying vintage. Water levels change — verify on the water.
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