Rice Lake near Crosby: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Crow Wing County in Minnesota is where Rice Lake sits. The ground around here is mixed forest. Around 158 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Crosby lies 10 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 99 miles away. Round about: Island Lake roughly 0.8 miles, Portage Lake at 1.2 miles, Pine Lake roughly 1.4 miles, Esdon Lake at 1.4 miles and Scott Lake roughly 1.4 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike and pumpkinseed. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. At Rice Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 7°F and July at about 69°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Plan any trip to Rice Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Hesitation Wildlife Management Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Island Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Rice Lake is worth confirming on the day.