Rainy Lake Dreamz

  • matt pistorio
    Chicago, IL
    Posts: 11
    #1290967

    I recently returned from a 5 day journey up to Rainy Lake for a shot at some trophy Pike with two of my closest buddies. It all began when I watched a video of In Depth Outdoors host James Holst and Chris Granrud of Rainy Daze Guide Service lay the wood to the early season Pike. I immediately got on the horn and lobbed a call into Chris and said “put me on those beasts brotha”. I anxiously awaited the next three months spending hours (while at the office) staring at the weather websites and webcams of Rainy praying that I would be there after ice out. I probably drove Chris up a wall with my constant emails asking about the ice conditions.

    We arrived on a Thursday afternoon to 32 degree weather, snow & 30 mph winds, an anglers nightmare. My dream of putting the beatdown on these fish was becoming bleak. After cancelling our first day on the water due to weather we caught a break and I got my wish. Boy was I not disappointed. We put the hammer down on Rainy’s biggest and baddest . 35+ Pike, 8 easily over 10 lbs & Chris’ 21+ lb giant on “Day 1”.

    It would be relatively easy to say that I never had a better guide in my life merely due to the numbers and size of fish we caught that day and over the course of our 5 day trip. But Chris truly rounds out every other attribute that I consider to be necessary of a world class guide, What a class act. Rainy Lake is an extremely large body of water that can be very intimidating and with the help of Rainy Daze I felt like it was “manageable” for my FIRST trip to the mighty Rainy.

    I recommend anyone who wants to fish this beautiful body of water give Chris Granrud a jingle and let him take care of the rest. He is no longer a stranger and a guide to me but a true friend and thats what this sport is all about fellas.








    arklite881south
    Posts: 5660
    #778778

    Wow Matt!!

    Thanks sooo much for the kind words. It was a pleasure to meet and fish with you boys. I thoroughly enjoy fishing with guys and gals that have the passion. You guys certainly had the passion!! I’m a fishing freak at heart, and rarely will you not see me out on the water even if I’ve got the day of from guiding. The Fishing Queen and I strive to make everyones trip enjoyable, and of course I really want my boys to catch big fish!! You guys did great!! Look forward to our next trip!!

    Thanks again boys!!

    woody35
    Posts: 8
    #778914

    How is the new Daze shack coming along. Hopefully can get up there this winter. Woody

    arklite881south
    Posts: 5660
    #778920

    Hey Woody!!

    I’ve had the team up here working the past few days on the addition. Things are coming along nicely. all sheeted up, windows, metal roof and decking. Insulating next week and interior finishing after that!! We haven’t did a lot of fishing the last couple days, but have been sneaking out for a couple hours catching some nice fish before dark. Feel very fortunate to have the luxury to just sneak out for a few even on busy days. From what I’ve seen up until 2 days ago there continues to be a seperation from eating fish and slot fish. Look for that gap in fish locations to narrow in the near future. Right now we’re finding our big walleyes shallow and the eaters up to 45 f.o.w. Love to have the Crew back this winter!!! I’ll start to rest up!!

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.