Rainy River info

Admit I may not be good at searching. After seeing the latest IDO episode, I was looking to read up, and learn about the Rainy River experience. I am in SE WI, and coming to Minneapolis the second weekend in April for work travels. Boat may just join me. This is as close as I will ever get to that area, and I was thinking… maybe taking a shot at going, even if on my own. Originally it was pool 4, but…

Looking at maps and such, I can’t even tell if the river drains into, or out of Lake of the Woods. Is there a good general area to look at for studying up on? Not looking for a specific spot to fish… but even an area to maybe look at working out of. Starting points for my studying. I would love to hire someone like Chris, but before this is suggested, coming on my own and all the expense, I just can’t do that.

Thanks to anyone willing to point me towards more info…

flows from rainy to lake of the woods. Study Birchdale to Pinewood. Second weekend of April is the last weekend of the walleye season. Last year was a well above average year due to very minimal snow fall and run off. Way to early yet to know what will happen this year but they have a lot of snow. When the Forks break loose and flow into the Rainy it can be game over.

2008 Rainy Report

2007 Report

2006 Report….same program

2010 report

2011 report

If memory serves me right 2009 year didn’t happend because of weather…Or I am losing my memory. This should give you and idea of what/where/when/how to fish Rainy River.

Good Luck

Thanks guys…. From WI, is my thinking to buy a MN fishing license and work off those regs best or staying on the Canada side and going that route? I’m guessing my research will help determine affordable lodging options and such and help answer all that as well. As said, the entire thought process is all new.

I would stick to the MN side if its your first trip. Birchdale (nelsons park) has free camping if you have the means of camping. No camping allowed at any of the other launches during the spring season.

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2008 Rainy Report

2007 Report

2006 Report….same program

2010 report

2011 report

If memory serves me right 2009 year didn’t happend because of weather…Or I am losing my memory. This should give you and idea of what/where/when/how to fish Rainy River.

Good Luck

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You are right on Cal. I can’t find any pics from that year which means that was the year I was SKUNKED!

It can happen. Its all part of the mystique.

I have been fishing the river for the past 4yrs and we stay in Baudette depending on the time you go depends on where the river is open last year the “gap” going into the the lake was had open water so the fisherman were spread out it is a timing thing we go three weekends in a row trying to hit the bite. if you hit it it is awesome

You mean I could travel all that ways… and still get skunked?

James and Chris made it sound and look like a sure, and easy thing…. LOL. I have had dreams and expectations broken close to home… so why not after a LONG drive. Good thing is I have some place to start now, and can adjust plans close to the date. Thanks again.

Last year was one of the best years I have seen in quite a while. It was good the whole spring season which is rare.

Considering how temper-mental the Rainy is in the spring with flow and ice, I would probably make some sort of backup plan to Pool 4. I’m jealous, this is still on my bucket list.

If you have a reliable source that gives you and idea of homw many fish people are catching/day is about the best timing you can have. It takes several days sometimes week for the fish to travel from LOTW to the spawning grounds, so if you can go at minutes notice also will increase your chances.

If the walleye thing doesn’t work then bring your sturgeon gear.