Rainy Lake June 28-29th

Hey!
I’m heading up to Rainy Lake with my dad and uncle for the first time. Fishing American side only mainly targeting walleye. I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable fisherman but am a bit nervous as it’s the first time fishing this big lake.

Here’s what I have heard so far:
1. Get a lakemaster chip for rainy. Picked one up a few weeks ago. Also have a fishing hotspots map.
2. Fish the east side of the lake for more numbers and less crowds
3. Fish bays and structure near to bays. Fish windswept shorelines and points as well.
4. Fish live bait / spinners and also throw raps at shorelines.

Any other suggestions? Feel free to post or PM me. Spots I have heard recommended are Cranberry Bay, Black Bay, Saginaw Bay, and Marion Bay.

Lastly was hoping to do a shore lunch. Do the campsites have cooking grates? We’re not camping btw, just wondering if grates exist for cooking a shore lunch.

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Hey!
Lastly was hoping to do a shore lunch. Do the campsites have cooking grates? We’re not camping btw, just wondering if grates exist for cooking a shore lunch.

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Just for what it’s worth; The regulations specifically say campsites are for campers only, you need a camping permit to use them. Conversely, there are “day use” areas set aside for picnicking and shore lunches. I’d make sure you are using the correct area to avoid a possible ticket.

Yes I believe most designated areas have a grate for cooking.

All the sites I’ve used have rings/grate, picnic table, and many have “toilet”
Pick up a park map (free) and they show location and what is at each location, some even have a small dock. Unless they changed the rules unused camp sites can be used for shore lunch. You may need to purchase or find wood before going to site as it may be picked over. Great place I’m going in July and August for a week. Have fun.

Yes they may be used with some restrictions;

Day use is allowed at
unoccupied tent sites until
2:00 p.m.
Houseboaters use houseboat
sites. Houseboaters may not stay
in tent sites or day use sites. Day
use is not allowed at houseboat
sites because there are no toilet

Black Bay is right by the VNP launch. It’s shallow use caution there. A cruise up to Kettle Falls Hotel for lunch would be fun if you have time. On Rainy be sure to stay on the marked routes when running. Lots of rocks and many will be submerged this year with the high water.

Have fun it’s a great place!!

We have gone up the last 6 years either the last week of June or the last week of July depending on the weekend. We always camp. Its an awesome place to get out and enjoy nature. We have always stayed and fished to the east of the bruel Narrows.

And there has never been a bad day. We have always caught plenty for dinner and a good handful to bring home.

If you look at your hot spot map you will find several humps in the middle of the lake. Some are even islands. These have been key for the majority of the walleyes we have caught.

As for bait, the only thing we ever use is a 1/4 to 3/8 oz jig head with either a crawler or minnow. Be sure to have both!

Hope that helps, we will be up end of july to take on some of our own rainy walleyes.

One last thing if you have time and a few extra hundred bucks. I would get Chris Granrud for a guide. Even a half day trip will be well worth the time and money. Especially if you plan on making this a regular trip annually. We went out with him 2 years ago and we learned several small techniques that really made a difference and he also highlighted out Hot Spots map!

Here is his site. http://www.rainydazeoutdoors.com/

Thanks for all the info guys. Can’t wait!