Rice Lake
Morrison County, Minnesota, near Vawter. DNR lake ID 49002500.
Rice Lake is a 339.4-acre lake in Morrison County, Minnesota, near Vawter. Its deepest point reaches 8 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 2.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
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 | 49002500 |
|---|---|
| County | Morrison County, near Vawter |
| Surface area | 339.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 8 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 2.2 ft through 2023 |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2023: clarity 2.2 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rice Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on 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 | 1.0 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.0 | 1.5 to 7.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 22.0 | 3.0 to 26.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.67 | 0.5 to 3.4 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 2.1 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
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/Skunk Lake: 1 gravel launch ramp, 10 trailer spaces. 2 miles South of Little Falls on US Hwy. 10, then 4 miles East on Morrison Co. Rd. #35, then 0.5 mile North on Morrison Co. Rd. #256; on West bank, above the dam. Directions
- Platte River, Co Rd 256: 1 gravel launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 2 miles South of Little Falls on US Hwy. 10, then 4 miles East on Morrison Co. Rd. #35; below dam on Rice Lake, on West bank of river. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Pelkey Lake 3.7 mi, Morrison County
- Pierz Lake 4.9 mi, Morrison County
- Green Prairie Fish Lake 11.2 mi, Morrison County
- Sebie Lake 16.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Round Lake 16.4 mi, Morrison County
- Round Lake 18.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Long Lake 19.2 mi, Morrison County
- Pepin Lake 19.5 mi, Todd County
Questions about Rice Lake
How deep is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake reaches a maximum depth of 8 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake covers about 339.4 acres in Morrison County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rice Lake averages 2.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
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.
Where is the public boat access on Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Rice/Skunk Lake; Platte River, Co Rd 256.
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 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 2.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on 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 Morrison 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.