Rice Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Luce. DNR lake ID 56036300.
Rice Lake is a 326.2-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Luce. Its deepest point reaches 8 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.7 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Rice LakeWhat’s my Rice Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56036300 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Luce |
| Surface area | 326.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 8 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.7 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 33.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| 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 2018: clarity 6.7 ft, phosphorus 33.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rice Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Rice Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1988 (38 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 | n/a |
| Northern pike | gill | 13.0 | n/a |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 14.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 20.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 11.0 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.25 | n/a |
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, 3 trailer spaces. Approximately 9.5 mi E of Vergas to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Jim Lake 0.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wimer Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rose Lake 2.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Silver Lake 2.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Long Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Graham Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fischer Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Murphy Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail 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 326.2 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rice Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rice Lake averages 6.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. 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 1 public water access site on DNR record: Rice Lake.
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 6.7 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1988), 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.