Chris
What are you seeing up there regarding ice conditions? Have things locked up pretty good or are you still seeing some trouble spots? I would assume wheeler / sled travel is a go but car and truck travel is still off limits in most areas. Thanks in advance for any info you might have for me. 
A smaller lake nearby has 11″ of ice but tons of snow. He got stuck twice with his snowmobile getting into his cabin.
He had slush issues on the lake.
Hi James,
In Sand Bay Rainy Lake Marine has plowed a road. Fishing there has been good also. All other areas at this point are pretty much sled traffic. There is a lot of snow on top of the ice, so atv travel would be pretty sketchy. Good and bad points to that. Most permanent houses will be out in Sand bay where the fishing has been good. This leaves most the rest of the lake untouched as when you eliminate atvs and trucks you have eliminated much of the ice fishing crowd.
Mr. Daze
How’s the lake conditions? Seeing any improvement with the slush?
We were out today…. Still rough going off the plowed roads. Spent the better half of 2 hours trying to get sleds out of the slush!! GRRRRRR!! They are starting to ease roads out of a few places, but it is going to be a couple days yet. Managed a few fish this afternoon, but nothing to brag about. Expecting another 7 inches of snow tomorrow. I expect the Narrows to be accessible in a couple days. Another week will do wonders!!
Hey Chris
Thanks for the update. Just what you guys need more snow! That must put you up near 60″ or so for the season, eh?!
How’s things in Sand? Did the bite ever get rolling again or has that bite slowed?
99% of the fishing is taking place in Sand bay due to difficult travel off plowed roads. Some are catching good fish, and some aren’t that is straight talk. I typically fish other parts of Rainy due to proximity of those fishing spots and my home, but due to conditions expect to be fishing it more this winter. We did much better today than yesterday, and I think we’re getting closer to finding a nice pattern that is working for us. We’ve just got another 8 plus inches of snow thus far, so house rental is going to be key for guys coming up. Doesn’t matter how cold, windy or much snow you have in the nice rental units. Bring the brats, hot chocolate, and digital cameras!!! We’ll take care of the rest!!
Man… you must be sick of shoveling that drive of yours. 
The next time up I’m going to bring a sled and take a ride on down your drive to see if I can break the sounds barrier!
Good to hear that the pattern is taking shape. You going to be back at it again tomorrow?
I’ve got a group of 4 leaving tomorrow morning. I’ve got a bit of snow removal to take care of on the ice for the permanent and here at home on the driveway. My guess would be on the ice again Monday morning chasing those Rainy Lake Monsters!!
Hey Daze , I have been venturing out quit abit lately working my way east. The fishing is really starting to turn on did real well yesterday during the snow. The ice conditions are tough ,sled required, but there are no crowds and a person can really hit some virgin water.
Bassbuster 1
Hey BB,
Nice hearing from ya Buddy!! Hows biz!! Yeah I spent a few hours a couple days ago digging a sled out, so I’ve been a bit gun shy hoping the snow will settle a bit. We’ll be out tomorrow!! Got out from the new 10 inches of snow so we’re ready to roll!!
Hey bassbuster1,
Welcome to IDO! Chris sent us to stay with you this past summer in july and the place was perfect for our group… and the price was right.
I just wanted to say hello and, I hope you don’t mind me doing so, I’m going to post a link to your motel for anyone that might be looking for lodging in the I’ Falls area.
http://www.fallsmotel.org/index.html
so… the important question… getting into any big walleyes lately? 
Thanks James, we try to cater to the fishermen,I spend a lot of time on the water and like to point my guess in the right direction so they can get on to fish quickly.I watch the show every week.I am a fan.Yes we are starting to get into some really nice walleye fishing , released a 28 incher on Sat.The beauty of these conditions this year,most of lake has been untouched so far!Those of us willing to venture out are having some of the best icefishing ever!.
Bassbuster 1
FallsMotel.org
Your winter rates are very, very reasonable.
I’m hoping to get back up there ASAP as I’d like to end this season of ice shows with a Rainy shoot. Are you running into consistent numbers yet? I know Chris has seen his fishing activity pick up over the weekend as well and I hope things get “locked in” so we can make it up some time this week.
Couldnt get out today hope to get out tommorrow afternoon.They are starting to go .
Bassbuster 1
I am looking forward to another late spring trip back to rainy and staying at the falls motel again.I was impressed with the warm welcome and all the fishing info I needed to get started the day we arrived.This time I am going to make it a longer trip though.Thanks again Kelly
Kelly and I are good pals and he definately runs a nice clean affordable option for lodging!! Many people I know love to stay there and fish either the Rainy River or Rainy Lake. I’d suggest if your thinking of hammering the Rainy River Walleyes this spring you get on the horn, and get your reservations today at either Woody’s or the Falls Motel. Both offer great lodging deals!! I get a kick out of all the guys driving an extra hour to LOTW and then driving half-way back (Birchdale) to fish. HMNNNNNNN!! I guess the Falls has lacked some marketing, but truth is save 2 hours of driving, (Gas $$) and fish the same areas 
. Spring/Fall There that oughta ruffle some feathers!! 
‘Daze
That’s a good point. What’s with the Rainy promotions? LOTW is advertised all over the place but you NEVER hear anything about Rainy. Or much less in comparison. Is it a budget deal?
IDO is doing its part to keep Rainy on people’s minds. I know I fell in love with the area this past spring and hope to keep going back for years to come.
Maybe someday soon I’ll be able to help market this great resource, but until then we’ll play second fiddle to LOTW advertising campaigns. Tourism is the key to our future here in Borderland.
Quote:
Maybe someday soon I’ll be able to help market this great resource, but until then we’ll play second fiddle to LOTW advertising campaigns. Tourism is the key to our future here in Borderland.
You do more than your part. You’re the reason I ended up on Rainy this past spring, remember?
What a fun trip that was!!
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