Rice Lake in Itasca County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Itasca County end of Minnesota holds Rice Lake. It sits at 1,322 feet above sea level. At some 285 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. There is roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Size puts it in the front rank of our Itasca County list. Cohasset lies 15 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Fargo, 147 miles away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name yellow perch, largemouth bass and northern pike. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. At Rice Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 67°F for July and 4°F for January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. The season between ice runs from about mid April to late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Rice Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Alex Lake sits 1.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Rice Lake locally before you travel.