Ice out on Rainy

Hoping someone in the know can give me their best prognostication on Rainy Lake ice. Will it be out in time for a May 17th trip 40 miles N. of Fort Francis on North Arm???

Don’t have info yet on the North Arm but would expect you’ll be fine on the 17th.

Historically they’re about 2 or so weeks behind Minneapolis metro lakes. A couple of our larger lakes were declared ice free today. With three weeks to go and temps should continue to warm up, that’s why I’m thinking you’ll be okay.

On a semi-related question, where to you go on the north arm that’s 40 miles up? Devil’s Cascades? Paddy Bay?

My smart *ss response was going to be, you’ll defintely have ice if you don’t stop and pick me up on the way

Pamo,

I agree with Patk. I think you will be ok. I have not been in the N. Arm recently, but I have been on the ice from Sand Bay to Browns Bay in the last 3 days. I would not advise a trip to the eastern basin right now btw… It was a bit sketchy in spots on Monday. Huge Pike will be available on Rainy for a few days as long as you can get access right now.

Anyway, the ice is pulling away from shore in a few areas as of today. Shorelines where the sun does not beat in on it remain fine. The main ice sheet out east is about 16 to 18 but honeycombed and dark. Sand Bay is better but deteriorating. The N. Arms seems to run a bit later for ice out, but based on what I see out there ice out will be earlier then last year. IF it stays reasonably warm it should go in time for your trip.

Good Luck!

Deron

Appreciate the info – we’re up around Little Canoe. Fish the big lake and get up on Vane and Strong as well.

Thank you Deron. Both you guys are very encouraging.

Been using this… to check it out.
But it’s broke?
http://rainylakeonestop.com/rainylake_cam.html

Pamo,

Good luck on your trip and give us a report when you get back. I just put my trip on the calendar for the third week in June. We’ll be staying up not too far from that little canoe neighborhood as well.

You will be fine! Post a report when you get back. I will post one as well I am heading up that way the following week. Will fish similar area more towards Turkey Island. Can’t wait.

We leave Friday . Will be on Rainy Lake Saturday afternoon. This webcam shot is VERY encouraging. Sporadic ice in same picture yesterday. Can’t wait. Fishing should be perfect. I’ll post a picture of a big boy walleye when home

Hey all…
Reporting back after our trip to the Little Canoe area of Rainy Lake. May23 – May31. My brother went up on May18 and had to watch for ice and circle around it. Completely clear for us putting in at 5 mile dock Fort Frances on the 23rd. Smalleys weren’t in the beds yet … but caught tons of footballs 15-18″ from shore to 15′. Walleye sporadic seemed to be in occassional pockets. Biggest was 27″. I caught 5 and friend caught 7 in about 45mins on our last night casting yellow jigs. Usual amount of snake northern. Our party of 10 probably caught 25 30″ and over northerns. I caught two 38s and a 35 in an hours time, drifting a white jig on 8 lb test no leader, no net – how much fun is that!? Weather was unseasonably warm, high 70s and 80s. Little rain. (lots of black flys and skeeters)
Fished Ash bay, Paddy Bay, Sears Bay … best fishing was in Rat Root. We were probably the first to Strong Lake. Strong and Vane were excellent Smalley fishing.
Can’t wait to get back. Maybe in the fall?
-Pamo

Thanks for the report, looked like you had a good time!

Just finally hit me this morning. Next friday, I’ll be up there to take my shot at a few fish. Same areas but might not make the portage to Vane and Strong. I’ll report when I return.

That is if I don’t win the lottery and stay

I hear you !!!
GOOD LUCK.
Look forward to hearing.