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Rice Lake

Dane County · shallow; winterkill is possible

117Acres
8ftMax depth
0Public launches
VeryWater clarity
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Today on Rice

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Rice is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present3.9
PerchPanfish, present3.9
CrappiePanfish, present3.9
How we rate

Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.

Depth map

None published

The DNR has no depth map online for Rice.

✕ Deepest spot, 8 ft

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

0 public
    WaterHypereutrophic, very clarity

    Before you go

    DNR
    How often it's safe to eat

    This is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.

    Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch

    Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes

    Up to 1 meal a month Muskies

    Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR details
    Invasive species here

    Curly-Leaf Pondweed

    Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

    Reviews

    No reviews yet

    Near Rice

    Local deals

    Local bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business

    Rice board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Rice

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Lake KoshkonongRock4.110,4607 ft
    Red Cedar LakeJefferson63596 ft
    Clear LakeRock7.38220 ft
    Lake RipleyJefferson7.441844 ft
    Hope LakeJefferson9.114224 ft
    Stoughton Millpond 429Dane9.6825 ft
    Gibbs LakeRock117123 ft
    Mud LakeJefferson11.69322 ft

    Rice questions

    How deep is Rice Lake?

    Rice Lake is 8 feet at its deepest. It covers 117 acres.

    What fish are in Rice Lake?

    The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present).

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Rice Lake?

    A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

    What is the walleye limit on Rice Lake?

    15" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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    Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.