Rice

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Rice Lake during October 22, 2025. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). The 2025 fall night electrofishing survey was conducted at four stations for a total of 60 minutes. The water temperature was 52 F. Water clarity was poor to moderate. Submergent vegetation densities were light. We observed abundant numbers of Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Brook Silversides. We also saw moderate numbers of Black Crappie, White Sucker and Northern Pike in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Rice is a large (1,513 acres), moderately deep (41 feet), and productive lake located in Stearns County. Rice is a popular lake for angling (Walleye, bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie) and spearing (Northern Pike). Water levels were above normal in 2025. Aquatic vegetation densities are variable in the lake on a yearly basis. An invasive algal species, Starry Stonewort, was found in low densities near the southwest public access during 2016. However, it has currently spread throughout Rice Lake. Presently, Starry Stonewort has spread throughout the Mud Lake Basin and Lake Koronis since it was found in 2015. Zebra Mussels were found in Koronis during 2022. Zebra Mussels are presumed to be in Rice due to their presence further upstream of the North Fork of Crow River in Grove Lake during 2024. Shoalwater substrates are diverse with boulder and rubble areas near points with soft sediments like silt, marl, detritus and sand found in the near shore and bay areas of Rice Lake. Rice Lake is upstream and connects to Lake Koronis via the North Fork of the Crow River. In the past, Walleye from both Rice and Koronis have spawned in the North Fork of the Crow River upstream of Rice Lake. A Walleye egg take station was operated just upstream of Rice Lake in the Crow River from the 1970's to 1992. However, this Walleye spawning run now appears to be considerably reduced. This is based on anecdotal observations of lower opening Walleye fishing activity near the downstream Koronis inlet bay/narrows area especially since the 2000's and recent (2018-2019) ice out hoop netting in the river near the old egg take station. Walleye also spawn adjacent to the east shores of the three islands in Koronis and the east point of Rice. Since 2001, both Koronis and Rice have been periodic "Spicer Strain" Walleye egg take sites for the statewide Walleye propagation program. Other recent Spicer Strain egg take lakes include Diamond and Elizabeth. Historic spawning sites for Walleye in both Koronis and Rice have been degraded in recent years with increased sedimentation, algal and periphyton growth. Walleye natural reproduction in Rice was generally both frequent and adequate to sustain Walleye numbers based on previous fall and summer surveys and markings. Various combinations of Walleye fingerlings, yearlings and adults were stocked in Rice after years of consecutive poor natural reproduction or fry stocking success during 2007 (25,310 fish, 2,556 pounds), 2008 (417 fish, 330 pounds), 2010 (15,281 fish, 1,923 pounds), 2018 (7,164 yearlings, 2,044 pounds; 125 adults, 167 pounds; 100 fingerlings, 6 pounds), 2019 (18,815 fingerlings, 1,533 pounds), 2021 (4,571 fingerlings, 976 pounds) and 2022 (63,962 fingerlings, 2,152 pounds). Walleye fry (500K to 2 million each year) were stocked during 2001 2019 as a 10% return of Walleye eggs taken for the DNR statewide Walleye hatching program. No Walleye eggs were taken, and no fry were stocked in 2020. No Walleye eggs were taken, but fry were stocked during 2021 (573,169 fry) in Rice. Walleye fry were also stocked in 2022 (959,635 fry), 2023 (1,201,133 fry), 2024 (499,870 fry) and 2025 (756,796 fry). Walleye eggs were taken recently in 2022 (77.75 quarts), 2023 (154.25 quarts), 2024 (133.5 quarts) and 2025 (105 quarts) from Rice. Stocked Walleye fry were marked with Oxytetracycline "OTC" in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2011-16. Low YOY Walleye numbers (11.00/hour, 7.26 inches) were caught in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Low YOY Walleye numbers were also captured in 2024 (9.60 YOY/hour, 6.98 inches) and 2023 (1.50/hour, 7.05 inches) fall night electrofishing surveys. Abundant numbers of Walleye yearlings (42.00/hour, 8.91 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. The Walleye yearlings captured in 2023 were likely from a 2022 stocking of fingerlings. Low YOY Walleye numbers (4.50/hour, 7.38 inches) were caught in the 2022 fall night electrofishing survey. No YOY Walleye were captured during the 2021 fall night electrofishing survey. Low YOY Walleye numbers (0.50 YOY/hour) were observed in the 2020 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate yearling numbers (15.00 fish/hour, 10.06 inches) were captured in the 2020 fall electrofishing survey. The yearling Walleye captured in 2020 were probably from a 2019 fingerling stocking. No YOY Walleye were captured in the 2019 or 2018 fall electrofishing surveys. Low YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (3.00 YOY/hour, 7.81 inches). Generally, low YOY Walleye numbers were captured in fall night electrofishing surveys from 2005-2010 and 2012. Moderate YOY Walleye year classes due to natural reproduction or fry stockings were documented in 2003 (42.00 YOY/hour, 6.46 inches), 2004 (55.50 YOY/hour, 6.74 inches), 2011 (150.00 YOY/hour, 6.27 inches), 2013 (37.33 YOY/hour, 6.31 inches), 2014 (82.00 YOY/hour, 5.98 inches), 2015 (36.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) and 2016 (56.00 YOY/hour, 5.81 inches). Approximately 62% of the YOY Walleye captured in the 2011, 2013 and 2014 fall electrofishing surveys were OTC marked fish from fry stockings. OTC marked fish contributed 83% and 44% of the 2015 and 2016 year classes respectively in fall electrofishing surveys. Moderate yearling Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (16.50 YOY/hour, 9.42 inches) and 2014 (18.00 fish/hour). Walleye abundance was high in the recent 2024 summer survey (14.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 10.23 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.67 pounds and 15.67 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average length is 16.29 inches from gillnets. Approximately 52% of the Walleye captured were 15.00 inches and larger in the 2024 survey. The largest Walleye captured was 28.07 inches. Walleye growth rates were below normal compared to area lakes. The 2022 year class comprised 38% of the 2024 summer gillnet and trapnet catch. Current fish management activities on Rice include protecting important aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed projects, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, considering potential starry stonewort/curly leaf pondweed management options, operating the Northern Pike spawning area as needed, and stocking Walleye fry or fingerlings as required or needed. The Rice Lake fishery will be surveyed annually during the fall for YOY Walleye by electrofishing and 2027 summer by standard survey gears for all species.

A standard survey of Rice Lake was conducted in late-July of 2024. In addition, a fall Walleye young of year "YOY" electrofishing survey was also conducted in 2024. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e., lake survey gillnets, trapnets, and spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Rice is a large (1,513 acres), moderately deep (41 feet), and productive lake located in Stearns County. Rice is a popular lake for angling (i.e., Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie and Northern Pike) and spearing (Northern Pike). There are two public access sites on Rice. Rice receives moderate recreational use during the summer months. The lake is highly developed with approximately 288 homes and cabins (2007 survey), one resort and one campground. In addition, the city of Paynesville is located within four miles of the lake. The immediate shoreline area is a mixture of hardwoods and residential development with lesser amounts of wetlands, grassland, and pasture areas. The surrounding watershed is a mixture of rolling hardwood and row crop areas, feedlots/pastures, wetlands, and residential development. The largest inlet and nutrient contributor is the North Fork of the Crow River, which enters Rice along the southwest corner and outlets about 100 yards south of where it enters the lake. Nutrient runoff enters Rice from agricultural row crops, feedlots/pasture areas, city storm sewer, and lake residential sources. Water clarity was poor on July 24, 2024 (secchi=2.5 feet). Dissolved oxygen levels were less 3.0 ppm below 12 feet deep during the 2024 survey. Water levels can fluctuate up to 1-2 feet during summer rain events in Rice. Water levels were normal during the 2024 summer but low by fall. Nutrient levels (total phosphorus=0.049 ppm, chlorophyll a=36.3 ppm) were moderately high during June of 2007. Aquatic vegetation densities are variable in the lake on a yearly basis. An invasive algal species, Starry Stonewort, was found in low densities near the southwest public access during 2016. It was chemically treated and mechanically removed in 2016-17. Starry Stonewort was previously found in downstream Mud Lake basin and Koronis in 2015. Presently, Starry Stonewort has spread throughout the Mud Lake Basin and Lake Koronis. Starry Stonewort has been found in scattered throughout the lake, but not abundant in subsequent Rice vegetation surveys compared to Koronis. Approximately 8-15 surface acres are chemically treated to eradicate Starry Stonewort annually in Rice Lake. Frequently occurring aquatic vegetation species in the 2017 vegetation transect survey included sago pondweed, chara, coontail, filamentous algae, clasping-leaf pondweed, northern milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed and bushy pondweed. Curly-leaf pondweed can often become dense in the bay and near shore littoral areas of Rice Lake. Curly-leaf pondweed can provide important cover for young and adult fish species during early summer, especially in shallow lakes/bays lacking native submergent vegetation cover. However, the release of phosphorus and nitrogen from dead/decaying curly-leaf pondweed during mid-July may exasperate conditions for more intense blue-green algae occurrences in Rice. Severe blue-green algae blooms are a common occurrence in Rice during mid to late summer. Emergent vegetation stands (cattails) are limited within the lake (outlet and north bays). Shoalwater substrates are diverse with boulder and rubble areas near points with soft sediments like silt, marl, detritus and sand found in the near shore and bay areas. Rice Lake is upstream and connects to Lake Koronis via the North Fork of the Crow River. In the past, Walleye from both Rice and Koronis have spawned in the North Fork of the Crow River upstream of Rice Lake. A Walleye egg take station was operated just upstream of Rice Lake in the Crow River from the 1970's to 1992. However, this Walleye spawning run now appears to be considerably reduced. This is based on anecdotal observations of lower opening Walleye fishing activity near the downstream Koronis inlet bay/narrows area especially since the 2000's and recent (2018-2019) ice out hoop netting in the river near the old egg take station. Historic spawning sites for Walleye in both Rice Lake (i.e., east shore point) and Koronis have been degraded in recent years with increased sedimentation, algal and periphyton growth. A Northern Pike spawning area is located along the northwest shore of the northeast bay, however it has not been operated in recent years due to adequate Northern Pike natural reproduction. Standard surveys are scheduled every three years for both Koronis and Rice. Fall electrofishing surveys for YOY Walleye are scheduled every year for both lakes. There are presently good fishing opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass on Rice. Black Crappie abundance was high in 2024 (9.13 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 6.65 fish/trapnet. Abundant numbers of small Black Crappie were captured in the 2024 gillnets (66.75 fish/gillnet, 7.31 inches average length). The 2024 Black Crappie average size was small (0.21 pounds and 6.72 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average length is 8.07 inches from trapnets. The largest Black Crappie captured was 14.76 inches in 2024. Bluegill abundance was high in 2024 (38.27 fish/trapnet). Abundant numbers of Bluegill were also captured in the 2024 gillnets (10.75 fish/gillnet, 5.99 inches average). The Bluegill historical average catch rates (1977-present) are 18.28 fish/trapnet and 4.33 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Bluegill average size was small (0.10 pounds and 4.67 inches) from the trapnets. The Bluegill historical average length is 5.28 inches from trapnets. Approximately 13% of Bluegill captured were 7.00 inches and larger in the 2024 survey. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.07 inches in 2024. Northern Pike abundance was high in 2024 (11.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 6.28 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Northern Pike average size was moderate (3.49 pounds and 24.89 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average length is 23.22 inches from gillnets. Approximately 59% of the Northern Pike captured were 24.00 inches and larger in the 2024 survey. The largest Northern Pike captured was 33.66 inches in 2024. Northern Pike growth rates were above compared to area lakes for ages 1-7. Several year classes (2018 and 2020-2022) comprised approximately 20% each of the 2024 Northern Pike survey catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Rice in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches. Largemouth Bass abundance was high (1.00 fish/trapnet) in the 2024 summer survey. The 2024 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (1.01 pounds and 9.62 inches) from trapnets. The largest Largemouth Bass captured was 19.29 inches in 2024. No spring or June electrofishing surveys were conducted for Largemouth Bass in 2019 or 2024. We did observe abundant numbers of adult, yearling and YOY Largemouth Bass during a 2024 YOY Walleye fall electrofishing survey. Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch was moderate (21.50 fish/hour) during a previous 2017 June electrofishing survey. The Largemouth Bass average size was large (1.61 pounds and 13.03 inches) from the 2017 electrofishing survey. Local anglers have reported higher bass catches of numbers and quality sizes in recent years for Rice Lake. Anglers often seek Largemouth Bass in shallow basins like the north bay or nearby Mud Lake located downstream of Rice Lake via the North Fork of the Crow River during the early summer months. Smallmouth Bass abundance low in 2024 (0.25 fish/gillnet) but similar to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 0.43 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Smallmouth Bass average size was large (2.40 pounds and 16.34 inches) from gillnets. The Smallmouth Bass historical average length is 15.58 inches from gillnets. The largest Smallmouth Bass captured was 16.34 inches in the 2024 survey. Yellow Perch abundance was moderate in 2024 (38.50 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 35.23 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.09 pounds and 5.81 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average length is 6.50 inches from gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 7.48 inches in 2024. Yellow Perch growth rates were below normal compared to area lakes for ages 1-4. The 2021 year class comprised 75% of the Yellow Perch captured in the 2024 survey nets. Walleye abundance was high in the 2024 summer survey (14.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1977-present) of 10.23 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.67 pounds and 15.67 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average length is 16.29 inches from gillnets. Approximately 52% of the Walleye captured were 15.00 inches and larger in the 2024 survey. The largest Walleye captured was 28.07 inches. Walleye growth rates were below normal compared to area lakes. The 2022 year class comprised 38% of the 2024 summer gillnet and trapnet catch. Other year classes present included 2023 at 1%, 2021 at 16%, 2019 at 1%, 2018 at 7%, 2017 at 9% and 2016 at 22% of the 2024 gillnet and trapnet catch. Walleye natural reproduction or fry stocking success was often adequate during past years in Rice. However, poor natural reproduction or fry stocking success has occurred in recent years. Predation by abundant Bluegill and Black Crappie on Walleye fry is likely the cause of variable/poor recruitment to fingerling size during recent years. Thus, various combinations of Walleye fingerlings, yearlings and adults were stocked recently in Rice during 2018 (7,164 yearlings, 2,044 pounds; 125 adults, 167 pounds; 100 fingerlings, 6 pounds), 2019 (18,815 fingerlings, 1,533 pounds) 2021 (4,571 fingerlings, 976 pounds) and 2022 (63,962 fingerlings, 2,151 pounds). Walleye fry were last stocked in 2024 (499,870 fish). Walleye fry (300,000 to 2,000,000 each year) were stocked during 2001 19 and 2021-2024 as a 10% return of Walleye eggs taken for the DNR statewide Walleye hatching program. Stocked Walleye fry were marked with oxytetracycline "OTC" in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2011-16 in Rice. Low YOY Walleye numbers (9.60 YOY/hour, 6.98 inches) were captured in 2024 fall electrofishing survey. Abundant adult Walleye numbers (88.80 fish/hour, 10.90 inches) were mostly (91%) from the 2022 year class in the 2024 fall electrofishing survey. No YOY Walleye were captured in the 2018, 2019 or 2021 fall electrofishing surveys. Low YOY Walleye numbers were captured recently in 2017 (3.00 YOY/hour, 7.81 inches), 2020 (0.50 fish/hour), 2022 (4.50 YOY/hour, 7.38 inches), 2023 (1.50 YOY/hour, 7.05 inches). Generally, low young of year "YOY" Walleye numbers were captured in fall night electrofishing surveys from 2005-2010 and 2012. Moderate YOY Walleye year classes due to natural reproduction or fry stockings were documented in 2003 (42.00 YOY/hour, 6.46 inches), 2004 (55.50 YOY/hour, 6.74 inches), 2011 (150.00 YOY/hour, 6.27 inches), 2013 (37.33 YOY/hour, 6.31 inches), 2014 (82.00 YOY/hour, 5.98 inches), 2015 (36.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) and 2016 (56.00 YOY/hour, 5.81 inches). Approximately 62% of the YOY Walleye captured in both the 2011 and 2013 fall electrofishing surveys were OTC marked fish from fry stockings. Black Bullhead abundance was low in 2024 (0.07 fish/trapnet, 0.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rates (1977-present) for Rice (2.83 fish/trapnet and 22.45 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Black Bullhead average weight (0.50 pounds) was below the Rice historical average (0.74 pounds) for trapnets. Yellow Bullhead abundance was low in 2024 (0.50 fish/gillnet). Low numbers of Yellow Bullhead (0.53 fish/trapnet, 0.83 pounds average) were also present in the 2024 trapnets. The Yellow Bullhead historical average catch rate (1977-present) is 1.86 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2024 Yellow Bullhead average weight (1.55 pounds) was above the Rice historical average (0.86 pounds) for gillnets. The largest Yellow Bullhead was 14.96 inches in 2024. Other species of interest captured in 2024 included abundant numbers of Shorthead Redhorse (6.00 fish/gillnet), White Sucker (11.50 fish/gillnet) and Common Carp (1.87 fish/trapnet). The Rice historical average catch rates (1977-present) for Shorthead Redhorse, White Sucker and Common Carp were 6.54 fish/gillnet, 6.31 fish/gillnet and 1.75 fish/trapnet respectively. The 2024 average sizes were 2.24 pounds for Shorthead Redhorse, 1.89 pounds for White Sucker and 7.73 pounds for Common Carp. Both Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker are important forage species for Northern Pike and Walleye in Rice Lake. Current fish management activities on Rice include protecting important aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed projects, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, considering potential starry stonewort and curly leaf pondweed management options, operating the Northern Pike spawning area as needed, and stocking Walleye fry or fingerlings as required or needed. The Rice Lake fishery will be surveyed during the 2025 fall for YOY Walleye numbers by electrofishing and 2027 by a standard survey. Spring Electrofishing for Largemouth Bass will be conducted in 2027.

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Rice Lake during October 2, 2023. The 2023 fall night electrofishing survey was conducted at four stations for a total of 40 minutes. The water temperature was 71 F. Submergent vegetation densities were moderately abundant. We observed abundant numbers of Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish species and Shiner/Darter species. We also saw moderate numbers of Black Crappie, White Sucker and Northern Pike in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Rice is a large (1,513 acres), moderately deep (41 feet), and productive lake located in Stearns County. Rice is a popular lake for angling (Walleye, bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie) and spearing (Northern Pike). Water levels were below normal in 2023. Aquatic vegetation densities are variable in the lake on a yearly basis. An invasive algal species, Starry Stonewort, was found in low densities near the southwest public access during 2016. However, it has currently spread throughout Rice Lake. Presently, Starry Stonewort has spread throughout the Mud Lake Basin and Lake Koronis since it was found in 2015. Zebra Mussels were found in Koronis during 2022. Shoalwater substrates are diverse with boulder and rubble areas near points with soft sediments like silt, marl, detritus and sand found in the near shore and bay areas of Rice Lake. Rice Lake is upstream and connects to Lake Koronis via the North Fork of the Crow River. In the past, Walleye from both Rice and Koronis have spawned in the North Fork of the Crow River upstream of Rice Lake. A Walleye egg take station was operated just upstream of Rice Lake in the Crow River from the 1970's to 1992. However, this Walleye spawning run now appears to be considerably reduced. This is based on anecdotal observations of lower opening Walleye fishing activity near the downstream Koronis inlet bay/narrows area especially since the 2000's and recent (2018-2019) ice out hoop netting in the river near the old egg take station. Walleye also spawn adjacent to the east shores of the three islands in Koronis and the east point of Rice. Since 2001, both Koronis and Rice have been periodic "Spicer Strain" Walleye egg take sites for the statewide Walleye propagation program. Other recent Spicer Strain egg take lakes include Diamond and Elizabeth. Historic spawning sites for Walleye in both Koronis and Rice have been degraded in recent years with increased sedimentation, algal and periphyton growth. Walleye natural reproduction in Rice was generally both frequent and adequate to sustain Walleye numbers based on previous fall and summer surveys, and markings. Various combinations of Walleye fingerlings, yearlings and adults were stocked in Rice after years of consecutive poor natural reproduction or fry stocking success during 2007 (25,310 fish, 2,556 pounds), 2008 (417 fish, 330 pounds), 2010 (15,281 fish, 1,923 pounds), 2018 (7,164 yearlings, 2,044 pounds; 125 adults, 167 pounds; 100 fingerlings, 6 pounds), 2019 (18,815 fingerlings, 1,533 pounds), 2021 (4,571 fingerlings, 976 pounds) and 2022 (63,962 fingerlings, 2,152 pounds). Walleye fry (500K to 2 million each year) were stocked during 2001 2019 as a 10% return of Walleye eggs taken for the DNR statewide Walleye hatching program. No Walleye eggs were taken and no fry were stocked in 2020. No Walleye eggs were taken, but fry were stocked during 2021 (573,169 fry) in Rice. Walleye fry were also stocked in 2022 (959,635 fry) and 2023 (1,201,133 fry). Walleye eggs were taken in 2022 (77.75 quarts) and 2023 (154.25 quarts). Stocked Walleye fry were marked with Oxytetracycline "OTC" in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2011-16 in Rice. Low YOY Walleye numbers (1.50/hour, 7.05 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant numbers of yearling Walleye (42.00/hour, 8.91 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. The yearling Walleye captured in 2023 were likely from a 2022 fingerlings stocking. Low YOY Walleye numbers (4.50/hour, 7.38 inches) were caught in the 2022 fall night electrofishing survey. No YOY Walleye were captured during the 2021 fall night electrofishing survey. Low YOY Walleye numbers (0.50 YOY/hour) were observed in the 2020 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate yearling numbers (15.00 fish/hour, 10.06 inches) were captured in the 2020 fall electrofishing survey. The yearling Walleye captured in 2020 were probably from a 2019 fingerling stocking. No YOY Walleye were captured in the 2019 or 2018 fall electrofishing surveys. Low YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (3.00 YOY/hour, 7.81 inches). Generally, low YOY Walleye numbers were captured in fall night electrofishing surveys from 2005-2010 and 2012. Moderate YOY Walleye year classes due to natural reproduction or fry stockings were documented in 2003 (42.00 YOY/hour, 6.46 inches), 2004 (55.50 YOY/hour, 6.74 inches), 2011 (150.00 YOY/hour, 6.27 inches), 2013 (37.33 YOY/hour, 6.31 inches), 2014 (82.00 YOY/hour, 5.98 inches), 2015 (36.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) and 2016 (56.00 YOY/hour, 5.81 inches). Approximately 62% of the YOY Walleye captured in the 2011, 2013 and 2014 fall electrofishing surveys were OTC marked fish from fry stockings. OTC marked fish contributed 83% and 44% of the 2015 and 2016 year classes respectively in fall electrofishing surveys. Moderate yearling Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (16.50 YOY/hour, 9.42 inches) and 2014 (18.00 fish/hour). Walleye abundance in 2022 summer survey (7.60 fish/gillnet) was below the historical average catch rate of 9.56 fish/gillnet for Rice. The 2022 Walleye average weight and length were 2.53 pounds and 18.79 inches respectively from gillnets. The Walleye historical average length is 16.25 inches from gillnets. The 2022 catch rate of quality size (15.00 inches plus) Walleye was 6.60 fish/gillnet. Walleye growth rates were near or above the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2019 year class comprised 30% of the 2022 summer gillnet and trapnet catch. Other year classes present included 2018 at 10%, 2017 at 18%, 2016 at 16%, 2015 at 6% and 2014 at 6% of the 2022 gillnet and trapnet catch. Only one Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fish (fry stocked in 2014) was captured in the 2022 survey nets. Current fish management activities on Rice include protecting important aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed projects, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, considering potential starry stonewort/curly leaf pondweed management options, operating the Northern Pike spawning area as needed, and stocking Walleye fry or fingerlings as required or needed. The Rice Lake fishery will be surveyed during the 2024 fall for YOY Walleye by electrofishing and 2024 summer by standard survey gears for all species.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and White Crappie in Rice. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Rice. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Rice has a maximum depth of 41 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rice is from 2024.

Yes — Rice has confirmed starry stonewort and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.