Size
264ac
Boat Launch
Carry-in Launch
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Species in Scattering Rice Lake
Walleye
Largemouth bass
Perch
Crappie
Smallmouth bass
Northern pike
Muskellunge
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Rock bass
Overview
These 10 bodies of water are dominated by muskie and walleye. Quality perch, crappie and smallmouth available.
Scattering Rice Lake Map
Fishing Regulations
Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.
Special Species Regulations
- Bullheads: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
- Catfish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
- Cisco And Whitefish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
- Lake Sturgeon: Closed: No fishing allowed.
- Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass: June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027: The minimum length limit is 14” and the daily bag limit is 5.
- Largemouth Bass: May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026: The minimum length limit is 14” and the daily bag limit is 5.
- Muskellunge And Hybrids: May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water: The minimum length limit is 40” and the daily bag limit is 1.
- Northern Pike: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5.
- Paddlefish: Closed: No fishing allowed.
- Panfish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
- Rock, Yellow, And White Bass: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
- Rough Fish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
- Round Goby: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
- Ruffe: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
- Shovelnose Sturgeon: Closed: No fishing allowed.
- Smallmouth Bass: May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026: Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only).
- Trout: See specific regulations: See Trout Regulations
- Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027: No minimum length, but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 14” to 18” may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3.
- White Perch: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
Features
The 9 lakes of the Eagle River Chain comprise nearly 3,600 acres, and when combined with the adjoining Three Lakes Chain, form the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world. In recent years the Chain has been recognized as one of Wisconsin’s most productive muskie fisheries.
Several “No Wake” zones are posted throughout the chain, including the channels between all lakes and the entire stretch of the Eagle River from the Highway 45 bridge downstream to Watersmeet Lake. These zones are strictly enforced, and violators are fined.
A boat hoist at the Burnt Rollways Dam on the Eagle River at Long Lake allows boaters to pass between the Three Lakes and Eagle River chains.
Forage
Juvenile perch comprise the primary forage for walleye. Other forage present includes sucker, redhorse and various minnow species. Crayfish are also important.
Seasonal Movements
During high water periods when the Otter Rapids Dam is open (primarily in spring and fall), walleye and muskie have a strong tendency to move into the Eagle River and the channels between lakes. The presence of visible current in the channels triggers fish movement. Both species seem to move upstream with the presence of significant current.
Weather
53°Feels like 53°
70°
42°
70°42°6:35 AM
7:08 PM
7 mph
South
0 in
Rain
29.88 inHg
Falling
TuesdayTu
70° / 42°
WednesdayWe
68° / 48°
ThursdayTh
72° / 48°
FridayFr
68° / 52°
SaturdaySa
69° / 48°
SundaySu
67° / 46°
Moon Phase
September 15, 2026
20% Illumination
waxing crescent, getting brighter
TuesdayTu09/15
WednesdayWe09/16
ThursdayTh09/17
FridayFr09/18
SaturdaySa09/19
SundaySu09/20
MondayMo09/21
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Top Fish Species
Walleye
10-14 in
Length Range
12 in
Length Range
2013
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance
Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.Species Lengths
