Fishing
At Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Cast a line at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge and catch northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, buffalo fish, walleye and panfish.
Hours
Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Locations
Locations are posted with "Public Fishing Area" signs and fishing brochures with locations are available at the kiosk near the Visitor Center. While Mandy Lake and Twin Lakes are open to fishing, anglers are usually most successful on Rice River. An accessible floating pier is also available at Mandy Lake and South Trail.
Know Before You Go
- A valid state fishing license is required but is not sold at our facilities. You can purchase a license online from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. Minnesota’s state fishing licenses are valid March 1 though February 28 of the following year.
- All state, federal and refuge fishing regulations must be followed.
- Only non-motorized or boats with electric motors are permitted.
- Ice fishing is permitted; gas powered augers not allowed. Access on ice is by foot only. Ice fishing shelters are permitted but must be removed from the ice at the end of each day.
- The refuge prohibits seining or digging for bait as well as the possession of any turtle or frog.
- Disposing of bait, trash or other debris is prohibited.
- Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
