Rainy Lake Fishing Opener should be HOT!!

With the early retreat of the ice sheet this year expect the walleyes to be thrust into the spawn cycle earlier than normal which should have the big females willing biters come fishing opener timeframe. This should ring through for most northern Minnesota lakes and river systems. As the big females drop eggs they typically go pretty dormant as they recover from the exhausting event. Males on the otherhand will be found in close proximity to spawning areas.

Uncovering productive spawning areas will be the biggest key to early season success while matching fishing techniques to the area will be a close second. There are 3 methods we like to employ in the month of May. 1/8 oz. H20 Precision jigs tipped with fatheads, Slip bobber set ups, and stickbaits will get the bulk of the work in the Daze “FishCasket”.

Another point worth mentioning is our water is a bit low at this point with little snow melt. This can change in a hurry, but if things stay the way they are the new Lakemaster Chip formulated for the Humminbird which allows you to adjust the lake level to make sure your depths are accurate can be a boat saving investment. I’m looking forward to trying this out myself!!

I expect some awesome combination days in May for monster Pike and Walleyes doing photo shoots for IDO!!

See you on the water gentleman!!

We’ll be the boys with the net out!!

Sounds like a good time Chris!

Hey Chris,

Is this the earliest you can remember ice out on Rainy? And I’m not sure if people know this or not, but there’s a Rainy Lake Cam at http://www.rainylakeonestop.com Kinda cool to see where it’s at.

Later,
Erik Osberg

I believe we’re heading for a record EARLY ice out. Ice out is considered when you can safely navigate the lake all the way to Kettle falls, so there usually is a good week or 2 of open water fishing in bays and current prior to the official ice out.

Cool posting that Rainy Lake One Stop web cam. Very fun!! I’ve been in the One Stop shop religiously over the winter, and Laura has that place stocked up with awesome stuff. Gonna have to keep my wife out of there!!