Covering 680 acres, this sprawling lake near Traverse Bay is one of the Keweenaw’s largest. It is also one of the peninsula’s more popular as well with a great deal of camps and summer homes lining its shore. Though predominately a private lake, there is a moderately sized access site on the lakes eastern shore to serve the general public. A public road runs along the northern shore allowing for some nice panoramic views across the lake. A small outlet connects the lake to the smaller Little Rice Lake to the southeast before draining into the little Traverse Bay. The lake averages a depth of about 5-8 feet, and is home to a variety of sport fish including Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch and Bluegill.
NOTES: For most of its length, Rice Lake’s shoreline is private. Public access is limited to the DNR boat launch, which is located at the lake’s eastern shore. Accessing the site requires traveling a half-mile down a stamp-sand covered road, through some possible wet and muddy areas. The launch site features a dock, concrete ramp and plenty of space for trailer parking.
DIRECTIONS: From Lake Linden, follow Bootjack Road east out of town for about 2 miles until you come to Rice Lake Road on the left. Follow this road for another 5 miles until you come to the lake on the left. Continue following the road around the lakeshore and take the first road on the right (Little Traverse Road) past the lake. Follow this road for about 0.8 miles and turn right again onto the road to the boat launch, marked by a DNR sign. The lake and launch is at the end of the road.
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