2021 Wild Rice Harvest Update
Closed Waters for 2021 Season
The following date-regulated waters will be closed for wild rice harvest:
- Barron County
- Beaver Dam Lake
- Red Cedar Lake
- Burnett County
- Bashaw Lake
- Big Sand lake
- Gaslyn Lake
- Mud Lake - Town of Oakland
- Mud Lake - Town of Swiss
- Spencer Lake
- Trade Lake
- Douglas County
- Allouez Bay
- Mulligan Lake
- Forest County
- Riley Lake (Indian Lake)
- Wabikon Lake
- Forest and Oneida Counties
- Atkins Lake
- Oneida County
- Big Lake
- Little Rice Lake
- Rice Lake
- Spur Lake
- Polk County
- East or Lotus Lake
- Glenton (Rice Lake near Milltown)
- Little Butternut Lake
- Vilas County
- Allequash Lake
- Aurora Lake
- Devine Lake
- Frost Lake
- Irving Lake
- Little Rice Lake
- (Mickeys) Mud Lake
- Nixon Lake
- Rice Lake (on G.)
- West Plum Lake
- Washburn County
- Gilmore Lake
- Long Lake
- Spring Lake (Minong Township)
- Tranus Lake
Please note: All other lakes that have opened and those that are not date-regulated may be harvested as long as the wild rice is ripe. More information about wild rice and waters that contain wild rice can be found on the Wild Rice Harvesting page.
Wild rice is an annual aquatic grass that produces a seed that is a delicious and nutritious source of food for wildlife and people. The seed matures in August and September with the ripe seed dropping into the sediment unless harvested by humans or wildlife. Seeds on a single stalk reach maturity over a 10-14 day period, with the highest seeds maturing first.
Habitat requirements for wild rice are fairly specific; wild rice grows best in gently flowing waters with a mucky or organic bottom and in areas with relatively stable water levels during the growing season, with a water depth between six inches and three feet. Often, these areas are near the inlet or outlet of a lake.
Learn more about the cultural and ecological importance of wild rice, along with the rules and regulations for harvesting.