Rice Lake Fishing near Redby, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Rice Lake belongs to Beltrami County. Height above sea level is 1,299 feet. Around 40 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The town to know is Redby, 12 miles out. Fargo is the closest city, 113 miles away. Within easy reach: Medicine Lake within 1.4 miles, 2.1 miles out stands Cranberry Lake, Hagali Lake within 2.5 miles, 2.8 miles out stands White Fish Lake and Dark Lake within 3.8 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Beltrami County records list walleye, yellow perch and northern pike among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The near bank of Rice Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 67°F, the coldest about 3°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly mid November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Anyone fishing Rice Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Medicine Lake at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Rice Lake locally before you travel.