Rice Lake
Rice Lake in Forest County, Wisconsin is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Phosphorus: 41 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 1.3 µg/L. Maximum depth: 6 ft. Surface area: 201 acres.
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Area
- 201 acres
- Trend
- ↑ Improving
Next lake in Forest County
Why Rice Lake has no grade
We grade a lake only when its monitoring record clears the evidence bar: at least three phosphorus or chlorophyll-a samples in the last ten years, scored against EPA National Lakes Assessment thresholds for this lake’s ecoregion. For Rice Lake, no nutrient or algae measurement meets the evidence bar (at least 3 samples within 10 years). Sampling here has recorded phosphorus and algae (chlorophyll-a), but not water clarity.
Not Rated is not an F. It is EPA Integrated Reporting Category 3 — insufficient information. The water here may be excellent or poor; nobody has measured enough of it to say. Everything below that has been measured is still reported on this page.
Sampling is run by WI DNR and volunteer programs, and published through the EPA Water Quality Portal. Read the full grading methodology.
Rice Lake is a 201-acre lake in Forest County, Wisconsin with a maximum depth of 6 feet. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Wisconsin DNR Surface Water, last sampled 2024-09-19. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Not ratedLimited data
Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake
Water quality measurements for Rice Lake
These readings exist but do not meet the evidence bar for an A–F grade — see why.
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 41 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 1.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 45.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No recent samples | |
| Phosphorus | 41 µg/L | Not graded |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 1.3 µg/L | Not graded |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 45 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Rice Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Rice Lake in Forest County, Wisconsin — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Rice Lake
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Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 6 ft |
| Surface Area | 201 acres |
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS).
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Rice Lake
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages.
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
DNR Reports & Resources
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries scientists publish multi-year survey reports for Rice Lake covering fish populations, stocking, water quality, and management. 1 report on file.
These links open on the official state DNR websites (Wisconsin DNR survey PDFs · Minnesota DNR LakeFinder).
- 2022Little Rice Flowage fisheries summary, 2022Fisheries Survey · WI DNR · 2022 (PDF)
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -3.3 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.25 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Graded lakes near Rice Lake
Rice Lake has no grade, but these lakes within a short drive do.
Nearby Lakes in Forest County
Frequently asked questions about Rice Lake
What is the water quality grade for Rice Lake?
- Rice Lake in Forest County, Wisconsin is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Phosphorus: 41 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 1.3 µg/L. Maximum depth: 6 ft. Surface area: 201 acres.
Is Rice Lake safe to swim in?
- Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake. Rice Lake is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 1.3 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
How deep is Rice Lake?
- Rice Lake has a maximum depth of 6 feet. The lake covers 201 acres.
What fish are in Rice Lake?
- Fish species found in Rice Lake include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike. Rice Lake is located in Forest County, Wisconsin.
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Where this data comes from
5 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2024. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-02.
Collected and reported by
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Tribal)
SOKAOGON_WQX5 samples · 2024
Analytical methods
- 200.7 M ~ ICP-AES For Trace Element Analysis
- 4500 P E ~ Phosphorus in Water by Colorimetry- Ascorbic Acid Method
- 10200 H ~ Chlorophyll a-b-c Determination
- Turbidity by Nephelometry
Monitoring station identifiers (1)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Fish and recreation data from Wisconsin DNR Lakes