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The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Rice Lake

Worth County, Iowa · about 1,020 acres (1.6 sq mi)

42°F water, calm this morning.

Water42°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today7 mphN
Best bite3:15 pmto 4:45 pm

About Rice Lake

Rice Lake is a lake in Worth County, Iowa, covering about 1,020 acres.

It stretches about 3 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 12.6 miles. At about 1,250 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Lake Mills lies about 1.5 miles to the northwest.

Size
About 1,020 acres (1.6 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 12.6 miles
End to end
About 3 miles
Elevation
About 1,250 ft
County
Worth County

The lake from above

1 0.5 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
  • 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph

Saturday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
  • 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

Expect the usual Iowa mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 42°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Slow
    Crappie

    Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

  • Slow
    Catfish

    Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

42°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 39° / —° 7 mph N Sunny
Saturday 42° / 19° 3 mph S Sunny
Sunday 44° / 21° 7 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:05 am · sunset 4:50 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Rice Lake

  • Lake Millsabout 1.5 mi northwest
  • Forest Cityabout 11 mi southwest
  • Northwoodabout 13 mi east
  • Manlyabout 14 mi southeast

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Questions about Rice Lake

What fish are in Rice Lake?

Lakes like Rice Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Rice Lake?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is Rice Lake?

About 1,020 acres, with about 12.6 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Rice Lake?

Lake Mills is about 1.5 miles northwest; Forest City is about 11 miles southwest.

What is the water temperature at Rice Lake today?

The surface was about 42°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Rice Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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