Rice Lake Fishing in Cook County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Cook County, Minnesota, is where Rice Lake sits. Elevation runs to 1,703 feet. The water covers some 220 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. On our Cook County list it sits near the top for size. Nearest place of any size is Grand Marais, 21 miles away. Silver Bay is 40 miles away, with Ely at 51 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name white sucker, yellow perch and northern pike. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. Take Rice Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 63°F; by January the average is down near 6°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. From about late April to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. At Rice Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Tack Lake, 0.4 miles away. Confirm access to Rice Lake locally before you travel.