Big Rice Lake
Beltrami County, MinnesotaEutrophic
Big Rice Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including black crappie,bluegill,bowfin (dogfish),brown bullhead,greater redhorse,hybrid sunfish,largemouth bass,northern pike,pumpkinseed,rock bass,walleye,white sucker,yellow bullhead,yellow perch. Compared to the 91 other monitored lakes in Beltrami County, Big Rice Lake ranks #85 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2025-10-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 11.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.7 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 11.4 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Big Rice Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Big Rice Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Big Rice Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #85 of 92 lakes in Beltrami County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Big Rice Lake holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AMoose LakeBeltrami County · mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BKitchi West Arm LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBig LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BPug Hole LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBullhead LakeBeltrami County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Beltrami County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Big Rice Lake
Other Grade C Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-10-15
Monitoring stations: 1