Rice Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. DNR lake ID 31071700.
Rice Lake is an 863.4-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 68 ft, and about 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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.
Tell us about your dream home on Rice LakeWhat’s my Rice Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31071700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Grand Rapids |
| Surface area | 863.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 68 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 27% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.1 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.1 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rice Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Rice Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 2.25 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.17 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.83 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.0 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.17 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 8.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.75 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.83 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.75 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.25 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.75 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.08 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.17 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.08 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2018), Northern pike 33.0 in (2018), Walleye 25.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Rice Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 9 mi SW of Grand Rapids to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Rice Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Guile Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Loon Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Little Cavanaugh Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Leighton Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Cavanaugh Lake 3.0 mi, Itasca County
- Blackwater Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Rice Lake
How deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake reaches a maximum depth of 68 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 27% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers about 863.4 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rice Lake averages 14.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Rice Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Rice Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Rice Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Rice Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Rice Lake.
How is the walleye population on Rice Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2011, walleye numbers on Rice Lake ran mostly below 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 27% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.1 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 Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.