Rainy River Hog Hunting!!

Got out yesterday afternoon, and did some serious “HOG HUNTING” boating some absolute FATS. Was NOT lights out action, but put the Beckman net around 6 fish over 26 inches in our half-day outing. 26,26.5,26.5,27.75, 28,28.5.

We were able to isolate some bigger fish which oddly enough were isolated from the crowd. I utilized a 1/4 oz. H20 Precision jigs in the Orange and Green Tiger color combinations featuring the GLOW EYES!! I laced up a 4″ Firecracker Chartruese, and Chartruese Orange Core ring worm biting the bulb off the tips(Not sure if needed, but looks cool!!)

Just got a couple new rods from Deano at Everets sent to my door in the knick of time to spool up. We long casted these jigs with 6’9 St. Croix Tournament series Med/light rods spooled with 10/2 PHANTOM RED Powerpro. LOL!! NOT PINK PAL!!

We were literally casting into 3 feet of jig eating rocks with a fairly brisk cross wind making the bite a bit tricky. Casting diagonally down current and lifting and dropping the tip of your rod allowing the ring worm to tumble then flutter in the current was a bit too tempting for these big walleyes.

My buddy who is a great stick was severely punished trying to match the efficiency of the ringworms yesterday as he hauled out $20.00 worth of live bait. I know he probably lost plenty of sleep last night thinking about how those DANG plastics outproduced good ole MEAT, but surely he’ll get over it with some counseling. Maybe one more Spanking today will have “OLD SCHOOL” slinging ringies from BFishN Tackle!!

Putting jokes asside the end game is always to catch the biggest and baddest that swim the bodies of water we focus our attentions on. If that called for tail hooking big Shiners “I”M IN!!” Everyday can and will bring forth a bit of a different challenge for anglers, but without a doubt if you see me on the River Spring or Fall you will likely see me slinging plastics for those monster walleyes simply because they have always produced BIG TIME for me!!

Great fishing with my pal again yesterday!! Seems a guy does less and less of that as a fishing guide. Also fun to have that friendly competition in the boat. Don’t worry “Old School” will surely give “Fancy Pants” a beatdown today, but I won’t go without a fight pal!! CHAMPIONSHIP!!

We’re going to have some monster fish being pulled out this spring!! We’ll be after FREAK PIKE the end of April until the State Fishing opener, and then combo Pike/Walleye or Pike/Walleye/Crappie trips are on deck!!

See you on the water!! We’ll be the boys with the Beckman out!!

thanks for the report some nice eyes there

“Just got a couple new rods from Deano at Everets sent to my door in the knick of time to spool up. We long casted these jigs with 6’9 St. Croix Tournament series Med/light rods spooled with 10/2 PHANTOM RED Powerpro. LOL!! NOT PINK PAL!!”

Chris ,Nice report as usual.I always enjoy reading them, how is the water clarity up there now ?

Hey Trumar,

Clarity isn’t a problem. Forks are broke loose, and unless we get a big rain anglers should find Bruising fish in epic proportions. DO NOT forget Lakemaster on your trips, which is arguably the single most important piece to your big fish puzzle in the winding Rainy River. Water is down significantly (3 feet??) Anyway be more cautious than foolish out there boys!! Our weather has cooled down, and as I type (In my fishing bibs) we are hovering at a chilly 25 degrees. My guess would be even though we “Bonked” some big girls the cold snap had the fish a bit lethargic yesterday. Often times takes the river fish a day or two to adjust to fronts or current pushes.

Regardless I’d utilize bright color combinations in your Orange/Chart. I believe the big walleyes chase “Skip Jacks” or Shiners in the river while preparing for the spawn, so silver sided plastics often will produce well.

We kept our 2 fish limit for tablefare, and 2 fish held eggs which were definately not ready to be dropped. Eggs were Still tight, and not loose. My guess would be they will not be dropping spawn for another week or 2 based upon those fish anyway. We also didn’t run into any “Milking Males”.

Thanks for the report Chris, How much longer do you think the bite will keep going on the river there?

The bite will outlast the season limitations no doubt. Remember the season runs through April 14th in which the Eyes will be protected to do their deal.

Awesome fish and great report Chris!

I’m seriously thinking Rainy River spring walleyes need to be added to my bucket list. Especially after seeing these reports and big fish pictures from you & Cal.

Beauties Chris….

2 reasons I like plastics or blades….1. they seems to catch bigger fish, not as many numbers but more HOGS……2. your hands don’t get cold after putting minnows on….

Hey Joel,

As many anglers will agree the Rainy River is very time sensitive. I’ve bowed out of guiding the river for the past several years simply for that reason alone. I likely will add RRiver Guiding to our service this fall leading into next spring, but it can honestly be a bit touchy with the Forks, and several other variables. With that being said for walleye anglers timing the bite correctly, and with some Mother Nature cooperation you can pummel PB’s in Epic proportions at times. Still don’t be fooled into thinking slipping into a cluster of boats will produce the numbers of elite fish. A Rainy River Big fish holding understanding can be critical for anglers looking to try WEAR OUT their Beckman nets!!

Included in your bucket list?? uhhhhhh YEP Joel!! For any serious Hog Hunter………CHECK!!

Very True Cal!! I know your a big plastics guy no doubt!! VERY VERY nice not having your hands wet in the chilly weather, and I agree 100% if your looking for big fish DO NOT overlook deadly Plastic combinations in certain situations………LIKE THIS ONE!! I’ll be heading out in about 30 minutes, and I’ve been scrambling to assemble the 35 inch walleye combination!!

Oh and by the way…..How about those big shoulders shaking you down into that current run!! Is there a better feeling come spring after finesse fishing for a couple months……..uhhhhhh Rhetorical question Gents!!…….NO THERE IS NOT!!

I should add. We fished out of my buddies boat yesterday, but I brought my Beckman net along!! No using butterfly nets for these big headed beasts!!

Kudos to the Rainy Lake One Stop shop for carrying “MAN NETS”!! These fish are big, mean and heavy!! They can and will destroy wimpy imitations. When fishing in “Manland” bring the big stuff!! Reminds me I better get on the horn for one of Beckmans Big hoop nets for the Pike Smackdown!! Pike get strange scowl on their toothy mouths when the zero in on anglers “School girl” Walleye nets.

Nothing better that feeling the teeth of a HOG walleye grinding against the power pro as you battle back against the current. Not to mention the strike. No subtle bites when fishing plastic or blades….violent strikes.

Firecracker chart tail huh?

Glad the rods made it!

What I wouldn’t give to have been in that boat with you and Mooneye. And my dog. And Uncle Touchy.
Really nice fish.

That bite has been fantastic UT!! Put the hammer down on the fish again today!! (3) 30 inch fish hit the tape plus a pile of 28 inch plus!!

I can testify to this. I was in the boat just a few yards away. Fishing was great today. Boated close to 50 walleye half were over 28 inches. Biggest was 31 inches. We hammered them today.

The Rainy River bite is truly something special. What a fun time. My wrists are honestly sore from battling those big girls Matt!!