Little Rice Lake Fishing near Crandon, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Little Rice Lake is one of the Forest County listings for Wisconsin. Around the bank it is mixed forest. The water covers around 1,019 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The margin runs to about 12 miles in total. It is among the larger waters listed here for Forest County. Crandon sits 5.4 miles from here and is the nearest stop. After that come Nashville at 5.7 miles and Rhinelander at 20 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Little Rice Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Forest County cover brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Little Rice Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 10°F to 65°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan any trip to Little Rice Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The water borders Little Rice Wildlife Area, so expect the reserve rules to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Whiteye Lake sits 1.5 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Little Rice Lake in what we hold.