Rice Lake
Morrison County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic
Rice Lake grades an F: every scored parameter (clarity) rates poorly, placing it among the most stressed lakes monitored in Minnesota.
A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. At only 8 ft deep, Rice Lake is shallow — wind keeps the water column mixed and sediment resuspension drives phosphorus levels harder to manage. At 339 acres, Rice Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 6.6 miles of shoreline. Within the 16 graded lakes of Morrison County, Rice Lake sits at rank 16, near the bottom of the county list.
No invasive species are currently listed at Rice Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Rice Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. A documented public access point at Rice Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2023-09-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
Very murky, less than 2 ft of visibility. Trophic State Index: 67.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 67 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 8 ft |
| Surface Area | 339.41 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 6.6 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 100% |
| Public Access | Yes |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #16 of 16 lakes in Morrison County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Rice Lake holds Grade F. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Morrison County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Rice Lake
Other Grade F Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
2 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1990-06-05 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bullhead | 18.29 | 0.18 lb |
| Brown Bullhead | 8.88 | 0.46 lb |
| Yellow Bass | 7.54 | 0.44 lb |
| Yellow Perch | 7.29 | 0.39 lb |
| CRP | 3.00 | 5.67 lb |
| White Sucker | 2.21 | 1.66 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
From the 1990-06-05 survey
RICE LAKE IS A REGULAR WINTERKILL LAKE WHICH NORMA LLY WILL NOT OVERWINTER GAME FISH. NO FISH ARE ST OCKED IN RICE LAKE AND REPOPULATION OCCURS BY IMMI GRATION FROMTHE PLATTE RIVER. A NUMBER OF ADULT G AME FISH WERE CAPTURED DURING OUR ASSESSMENT, INCL UDING NORTHERN PIKE, ROCK BASS, AND WALLEYE. SMAL LMOUTH BASS,…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Rice Lake. 3 reports on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — RiceFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Rice (1930)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Public Water Access Sites — RicePublic Water Access Sites · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2023-09-13
Monitoring stations: 1