Big Rice Lake

Big Rice Lake near 47.6953, -92.4889 is a lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Big Rice Lake covers about 1,917 acres, reaches a recorded 5 feet and holds about 6,290 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Big Rice Lake Affect Fishing

Big Rice Lake is shallow enough that wind, weeds, shade and even a small dip in the bottom can make one part fish better than another.

Fish and Baits at Big Rice Lake

Fish reported from Big Rice Lake include northern pike, white sucker, and yellow perch.

Yellow Perch

For panfish at Big Rice Lake, keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Big Rice Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Big Rice Lake

Spring at Big Rice Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is best early or late around weeds, shade and the few deeper holes. Fall at Big Rice Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Big Rice Lake

On a first trip to Big Rice Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Big Rice Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Big Rice Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Big Rice Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 1,917-acre Big Rice Lake?

At Big Rice Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 5-foot deep end of Big Rice Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Big Rice Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 6,290 acre-foot storage figure mean at Big Rice Lake?

At Big Rice Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.