Fishing at Rice Lake, Aitkin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Rice Lake lies in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It sits in rolling bush country. The water measures roughly 16 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is a small entry by Aitkin County standards. Aitkin sits 14 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Beyond it, Crosby at 23 miles and Crosslake at 24 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Public occurrence data for Aitkin County names northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The near bank of Rice Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 67°F; by January the average is down near 6°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at Rice Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Waukenabo Lake, 0.9 miles out. Rules at Rice Lake are worth checking on the day.