Rice Lake
Rice Lake comprises several shallow backwater lakes fed by groundwater and Illinois River overflow. Midsummer drawdowns leave Rice and Big lakes only about 12 to 16 inches deep in July and August, and low-oxygen fish kills can occur.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Largemouth Bass
12-inch minimum, 6 per day
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Rice Lake boat rampRampBoat ramp per IDNR; boat fishing prohibited October 1 - April 1Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Minimum length 12 inches; 6 daily | 12 in | 6 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Rice Lake ↗Local tips
- Boat fishing is not allowed October 1 through April 1
- Water is very shallow in midsummer, so expect limited boat access then
- Ice fishing is not permitted
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Illinois lakes
Lake Shelbyville Fox Chain O'Lakes Crab Orchard Lake Clinton Lake Lake Springfield Lake Decatur Kinkaid Lake Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) All Illinois lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.