Rice Lake Fishing Guide, Todd County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Todd County entry here is Rice Lake, in Minnesota. It sits at 1,250 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 298 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. Size puts it in the front rank of our Todd County list. The closest town, Staples, is 4.2 miles distant. Wadena lies 19 miles off, Long Prairie another 22 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Rice Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Reported across Todd County: largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Rice Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 69°F at the top of summer and 7°F at the bottom of winter. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Rice Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Staples Wildlife Management Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Lawrence Lake, 2.3 miles away. The position on Rice Lake is worth confirming on the day.