Chased some of Rainy Lakes elite Pike today, and following suite were chased around by “Ma Natures” fronts. Caught some absolute Freak Gators when we were able to fend off the eager Smallmouths and Walleyes. As I mentioned a few weeks ago anglers can expect eager fish on the fishing opener here in borderland. With that being said I am less convinced that spawning is triggered soley by water temps each year. I personally believe there are other key variables that my make the push to spawn for different species of fish a bit more complex. Possibly a relationship between main lake temps with bay temps?? Fair to say that this year with lower water the back bay temps were quick to rise with limited water to warm. Do you suppose fish come from the main lake to check temperatures in the back bays?? I doubt it. My guess would be as the main lake water temps begin to warm the fish in turn get motivated?? Water temps get much press from anglers, but I’ve hammered big pike cruising shallow bays with ice still only feet away from where I’m fishing, and then other years it seemingly takes forever for the bigger fish to show up. Today we watched water temps do a quick 2 point reversal plummeting 10 degrees in the past 2 days down to chilly 51 degrees with the cool weather and driving rain. The rain certainly is a welcome sight to see, and obviously the fish or these fisherman didn’t mind at all!!
Great time on the water men!! Congratulations on all the tremendous fish!! 
All fish were caught and released effectively. Rainy lakes Pike are open continously. Keep in mind when targeting big pike prior to the official Minnesota fishing opener other fish might find your presentation a bit too tempting, so get them back in the water unharmed. 
While fishing any fish that are involved in the spawn I feel as sport anglers we each take a personal responsibility to ease them back in the cold drink to fulfill there jobs to ensure a prosperous future for our fisheries!! 
Early this season I’ve had 4 of my better early season Pike spawning areas be seemingly void of good fish thus far this season requiring an adjusmtent to my traditional early season game plans to keep customers on top of the biggest and baddest. My guess would be the drop in water levels have made these areas less appealing to the spawning class of fish. As always on lakes like the Mighty Rainy anglers need to think outside of the box, and try NOT get caught up in last years honey hole if it’s not as sweet this year.
As always Big fish hunting is similiar to hunting big game. If you want to hunt big bucks then you need to think like a big buck. If you want to catch big spawning fish then you need to take this years conditions in to consideration to locate them. No question Rainy Lakes fishery is very robust with large fish. Put the puzzle together………and 
