It is always hard for me to put away the Ice Gear, but looking ahead at this years open water season has me just a bit amped up!! 
Giving the new Skeeter a “Rainy lake Baptism” will be an exciting day.
Rainy Lake is in outstanding shape coming into the 2010 fishing season. Slot limits have left the lake teaming with big fish for all visitors to enjoy. For all of those returning to Rainy Lake I wish you the best of luck in this years fishing adventures, and for those making Rainy Lake a first time destination we welcome you with open livewells.
Rainy Lake is extremely vast expanding over 220,000 acres with more than 2500 islands dotting this premiere fishery. You literally could not fish it all in a lifetime let alone on a family vacation, but never hurts to try. Our Walleye numbers are in great shape, and I look for the “Shorelunchers” to have grown a bit from last year. That large class of “Eaters” that seemed to be in the 13-14 inch class will likey now be in the 14-15 inch class while the large numbers of slot fish (17-28) remain strong!! 
Crappies are in great shape, and I expect we’ll see some Ri-DONK-ulous slabs this spring/fall as we’ve got a good class getting to that point this year. We all are hoping for a stable weather pattern come spawning time for these crappies to ensure strong year classes in the future.
Northern Pike are still a very under-rated, and sought after trophy caliber fish swimming these stained waters. last year we boated 49 pike over the 10lb threshold in a mere 3 week period with 3 fish pushing over 20lbs. A local angler iced a 30lb fish this winter. For those looking to get after some big&Angry fish do NOT overlook Rainy Lake. As always we HIGHLY encourage CPR on these trophies while keeping some smaller 5-6lb fish are great tablefare.
Smallmouth bass are also a highly sought after sport fish here on Rainy Lake, and I find nothing as exciting as watching big barred toads break the surface while nest protecting in late May early June. Many anglers chase these mad fish all summer, and it only takes a brief overview of a Rainy Lake map to see why.
Whatever your fishing species of choice Rainy Lake is sure to cure what ailes ya. We’re only a 5 hour straight shot from the Twin Cities area, and love to show off our backyard.
If your considering a Houseboat adventure Give Billy a call at RLHB 218-286-5391. They’ll be more than happy to customize a trip for your party.
For any further information regarding fishing, lodging, entertainment, or of course Guiding feel free to PM!! I’ll me more than happy to help out. 
