Rice Lake sits in the Keweenaw Peninsula region of Houghton County, relatively close to Torch Lake and the Portage Lake system. Specific inflow and outflow details are not well documented, but the lake's shallow profile and fluctuating water levels suggest it's fed primarily by local runoff and small tributaries.
At roughly 9 feet max depth, Rice Lake freezes early and reliably in a typical UP winter. Ice fishing for walleye, perch, and crappie is feasible. Always verify current ice thickness — shallow lakes can also develop pressure cracks and variable conditions after thaw-freeze cycles.
What fish are in Rice Lake?
How deep is Rice Lake?
Is there a public boat launch on Rice Lake?
Can you swim in Rice Lake?
Are there campgrounds near Rice Lake?
Where is Rice Lake in Michigan?
Is Rice Lake good for ice fishing?
Is Rice Lake weedy?
Rice Lake is a shallow, weedy lake in Houghton County — max depth reportedly around 9 feet when water levels are normal. That shallow profile makes it a warm-water fishery with walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch, bullhead, and largemouth bass. Locals report dinner-plate crappie and decent walleye when water levels cooperate, though low-water years (like 2021) can make fishing tough. At least one area is known locally as "Bear Paw Bay."
The vibe here is quiet Upper Peninsula solitude — peaceful enough that people buy property just to be near it. There's one public launch with a gravel access road about 0.7 miles off the main stone road, a large turnaround loop for trailers, and plenty of parking. Lake Linden is the nearest town. The shallow, weedy character makes it a good family lake for swimming and shore fishing, though boaters should watch for submerged vegetation throughout.