Little Rice Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Pennington. DNR lake ID 04001500.
Little Rice Lake is a 123.1-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Pennington. Its deepest point reaches 26 ft, and about 67% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel.
Buying or selling on Little 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Little Rice LakeWhat’s my Little Rice Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04001500 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Pennington |
| Surface area | 123.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 26 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 67% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 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 9.2 ft.
Fishing on Little 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 | 4.5 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.0 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 44.5 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.75 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.0 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 5.5 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 9.75 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.5 | 0.5 to 1.5 |
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
- Kitchi Lake 1.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Rice Lake 1.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Pug Hole Lake 2.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Buck Lake 3.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Popple Lake 3.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Pimushe Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Little Rice Lake
How deep is Little Rice Lake?
Little Rice Lake reaches a maximum depth of 26 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 67% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Rice Lake?
Little Rice Lake covers about 123.1 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Rice Lake averages 9.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Little Rice Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Little Rice Lake for zebra mussel.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Rice Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Rice Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Rice Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 67% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Rice Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Little 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.