Rice Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 18014500.
Rice Lake is a 418.4-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
Buying or selling on 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 | 18014500 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 418.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 48% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.5 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.5 ft.
Fishing on Rice Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 2.56 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.33 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.56 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.22 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.22 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 11.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.67 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.2 to 0.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.56 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Walleye 19.0 in (2021), Muskellunge 46.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2006).
Public boat access
- Rice Lake , Lum Park: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 18 trailer spaces. 1 mile East of downtown Brainerd on MN Hwy. 210, in Lum Park. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Gilbert Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 3.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Wise Lake 4.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 4.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sorenson Lake 5.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- North Long Lake 5.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Perch Lake 5.6 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Rice Lake
How deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 48% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers about 418.4 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rice Lake averages 5.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Rice Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Rice Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Rice Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Rice Lake , Lum Park.
How is the walleye population on Rice Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2021, walleye numbers on Rice Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Rice Lake?
Homes on 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 Rice Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Rice Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 48% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rice Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Rice Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Rice Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), 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.