Big Rice Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Pennington. DNR lake ID 04003100.
Big Rice Lake is a 632.6-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Pennington. Its deepest point reaches 13 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel.
Buying or selling on Big Rice Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04003100 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Pennington |
| Surface area | 632.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 13 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.9 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 6.9 ft.
Fishing on Big Rice Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1990 (36 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 6.0 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.75 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 41.75 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.67 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.25 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.17 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 0.5 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.17 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 4.25 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.33 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Little Rice Lake 1.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Kitchi Lake 2.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Pimushe Lake 2.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Pug Hole Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Popple Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Lake 3.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Buck Lake 4.2 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Big Rice Lake
How deep is Big Rice Lake?
Big Rice Lake reaches a maximum depth of 13 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Rice Lake?
Big Rice Lake covers about 632.6 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Rice Lake averages 6.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Big Rice Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Big Rice Lake for zebra mussel.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big Rice Lake?
Homes on Big Rice Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Big Rice Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Rice Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 6.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Rice Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Big Rice Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1990), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.