Rice Lake Fishing Guide, Saint Louis County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Rice Lake is a Saint Louis County water, in Minnesota. It sits in mixed forest. The water covers some 30 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Head to Aurora, 6.8 miles away, for anything you forgot. It is 155 miles to Thunder Bay, the nearest city. In the same area: Hay Lake at 1.2 miles, Embarrass Lake (3.7 miles), Sabin Lake at 3.7 miles, Wynne Lake (3.9 miles) and Lola Lake at 3.9 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Fish documented in Saint Louis County include yellow perch, northern pike and white sucker. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Rice Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in July and bottom out at 3°F in January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. The season on Rice Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Hay Lake at 1.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Rice Lake before loading the car.