2020 Rainy River Predictions

So as to not confuse people, here is a new 2020 predictions page. Seems like the weather will be warmish for the next 7-10 days which is enough to get me excited for the river opening up. Any early predictions?

Not sure but can’t wait

To early for me to guess. Just have tp patiently wait and see what happens. Royal Dutchman commented on their Facebook page about doing updates soon. All I do know is its time now to get everything ready to go.

Mike W wrote:

To early for me to guess. Just have tp patiently wait and see what happens. Royal Dutchman commented on their Facebook page about doing updates soon. All I do know is its time now to get everything ready to go.

X2

I saw on the weather that this winter’s coldest overnight temp was the 3rd warmest on record. Ahead of 2010 and 2012. both 2010 and 2012 were very good years on the Rainy. Both years had an early ice out and early or little effect from the forks. The water flow has been high all fall and winter. Good flow pulls more fish into the river and pushes them to the bank. Could be a good pitchin year. Time will tell.

In front of Franz Javne today.

steve-o wrote:

In front of Franz Javne today.

That is crazy. I wouldn’t have thought we would see open water for another week at best. What do I know though? hahah

Ive been told there has been a small open spot in front of Franze all winter. From Steve’s photo it looks a little bigger now.

Yep fast water and some small Rapids at Franze jevne. I have push boat down that hill before and thru Rapids prior to Birchdale opening. Usually not a recipe for success. Water needs to warm before fish really turn on. Once the channel makes it to Birchdale its game on from there to the rapids. One way to beat the crowds, but it takes a small rig.

Have watched a few guys with small boats try to get back up the Sault rapids to Franze landing. Thought forsure we where going to be picking a few up out of the water.

Do you guys usually go as soon as the accesses open up or does the bite get any better when the water warms up?

Cody Bagley wrote:

Do you guys usually go as soon as the accesses open up or does the bite get any better when the water warms up?

Yes and yes.

Crazy to see a 30 degree difference between the cities and Baudette. I got excited when I was looking at the weather this week thinking that there would be some serious damage done over the next 7-10 days. Temps up north are a lot lower so heres hoping for some sun and wind!!!
Looks like in the last 15 years the 20th has been a good marker (a few days on either side) for 1st boots out of Birchdale.

IMO. The temps dont seem to matter as much as sunshine. Sunny days it can open many miles a day this time of year. Hits that stained water and really starts cutting the channel.

Just got back from FL for a week and was hoping to see some chatter on the Rainy. Wouldn’t expect to see much river opening progress for a little while, but like Mike said time to start getting stuff ready

BDR wrote:

IMO. The temps dont seem to matter as much as sunshine. Sunny days it can open many miles a day this time of year. Hits that stained water and really starts cutting the channel.

You’re absolutely correct. This is why you can predict ice out +/- 4-5 days. The sun is consistent, the clouds And temp are not. Warm days don’t do much without the sun. A sunny 40 degree day will so far more than a cloudy 45 degree day.

Any updates from the last week? Looks like the sun was hiding for the most part last week.

From Rainy River Resort on Facebook 3/15/20

“River Report Update:
For all you River fishermen, looks like it may be at least till the first week of April before river is open. Depending on weather conditions.
I’falls to Indus River is open.
Big Fork/ Little Fork still froze”

Tentatively planning on being fishing there on the last weekend of March! That or the second weekend in April. Which should I shoot for?!

Last yr – 2019 – I put in at birchdale on the first day it was open to large boats. Looking at the dates on the photos, it appears tht it was March 29, FWIW.

There’s a post on RainyDaze Guide page from 3/15 that goes into more detail, but the flow from the dam was decreased as well, which slows things down

Dang got boat and stuff ready to go and need to get out of the house

If you’re a weekend warrior, I’d have April 3-5th circled.

I would expect to see some serious melt this week with the temps they are calling for and the sun.

Are they gonna let us fish if it opens?

grizzly wrote:

Are they gonna let us fish if it opens?

I guess we will see. Unless there is a statewide shutdown there is no way in not going to stay at the cabin and fish.

I’m on my way

Sounds like most resorts are closing

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