Fishing Rainy Lake in a week

In the next week I am going to be fishing LOW Pine Island area for a couple of days and then I would like to stop and fish Rainy Lake for a few day. I am lucky enough to not have to be home by a specific date. I have never fished either lake. I read so much about the pine island area in the late winter that I have to try it, plus the cabins are so cheap. I really want to fish Rainy Lake before I return home. I am looking for some info. Such as a reasonable place to stay. I have my own equipment. Hiring a guide would be great but not likely in the budget. My big concern is that I do not own a snowmobile. Is the access on the lake with a truck? If there is not then that would take rainy lake of the list to fish. I intend to fish in the next week and a half. I am looking for a mixed bag trip on Rainy. I would be thrilled to catch pan fish in the day and maybe a walleye or two in the evening hours. Any help and advice from locals and regulars on Rainy wood be very appreciated. Thanks so much. Ps.I live on pool 9 of the Mississippi and I duck hunt and fish almost daily so if anyone ever needs info contact me. I wish I had more to offer for your help.

I wish I could help you out on that one. However do you know if the ice is out on Minnesota Slough? Thanks for your reponse. Drew s/w WI.

I was there Yesterday. The ice is out from the south. It was open from the Upper Iowa River north to about 400 yds south of the New Albin boat landing. I was fishing the 1st sharp bend in the deep water and there was a lot of small sauger. Not much action. Going back out in a little while today.

Not that I am an expert as their is much more qualified people on this site that can help you , but I will tell you what I know. Last 2 to 3 hours before dark have been good to us in 15 -18 fow out from Pine Island. Rainy I know has a current so be careful where you go, plus lots less people so their is not alot of crowds to follow. That being said I and my son went out using Rainy Daze and did get done what you desire. I know you said a guide is probaly not in the budget, but if you can swing it I would for Rainy. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Hi Meyer, There are still roads plowed out on Rainy.You can drive on at Rainy Lake Marine.The Tilson landing access is still being plowed as of yesterday.The fishing was alittle slow last week according to some of our guests.The weather has warmed up the fishing should too.
Give me a call 1-800-328-8435
Bassbuster 1

BB and AT are right on. Fishing has been a bit tough as of late. Late ice 19 inches of snow?? Who knows…. it is what it is. With that being said the fish are going to start up again as the fresh oxygenated water mixes in. It has been a great ice fishing season here on Rainy, and we look forward to a strong finish. Pike boys get your engines started!! We fished walleyes a couple evenings ago with limited success. Nothing to brag about. We’ve Been fishing panfish on area waters with better luck. Look for the big pike to start going and the walleyes to pick up as most of the snow has melted off the lake. There is a good deal of water on the lake that will either re-freeze or filter into the lake.