HEADING TO FISH RAINEY RIVER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN APRIL. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO FISH BOTH CANADAIN SIDE AND MINNESOTA SIDE IN MY BOAT. WHAT KIND OF PERMITS AND LICENSE WILL I NEED TO BE ON THE UP AND UP? THANKS
will it be open?
I have the same exact question that I just posted on the forum! I am sure a lot of people on this site should know this information.
You will need a Canadian and Minnesota license. In years past you needed a RABC (remote border crossing) permit from Canada. I have heard you no longer need that if YOU NEVER STEP ON CANADIAN SOIL, this includes dropping a Talon or Power Pole on the Canadian side.
I will not swear to that being correct but I know there was a change in the requirements this year. A call to the Canadian customs in Fort Francis will get it clarified.
You only need a Canadian license to fish the Canadian side of the river and you cannot anchor, tie to Canadian soil, or tie to another boat.
Got this info from Rainy lake houseboats and a guide in International Falls.
Fishing the Canadian side would be nice. I won’t do it though, because you can’t have live bait in the boat unless you buy it in Can., which would require you to set foot on their soil. Also no alcohol whatsoever. I watched them confiscate a brand new Ranger and the guys pickup which was parked on the Can. side because they had beer in the boat. They weren’t very cordial either. I’ll stay on our side.
Fishing the Canadian side would be nice. I won’t do it though, because you can’t have live bait in the boat unless you buy it in Can., which would require you to set foot on their soil. Also no alcohol whatsoever. I watched them confiscate a brand new Ranger and the guys pickup which was parked on the Can. side because they had beer in the boat. They weren’t very cordial either. I’ll stay on our side.
No alcohol is not a problem for me. My question is it no live bait in the boat OR you can’t fish with live bait? So if the Canadian official checks your rod, that you are fishing with, and all you have is plastic on are you legal?
I haven’t touched a minnow the last two seasons up there. I had my best 2 seasons ever.
Food for thought.
I haven’t touched a minnow the last two seasons up there. I had my best 2 seasons ever.
Food for thought.
I have only been to RR once. Never used minnows either. I did ok but others might want to know just like I do exactly the interpretation of the law.
You need a whistle, flashlight and bucket in your boat for Canada.
I believe no bait across the border, so if you get live bait in Canada you should be ok in Canada, but not sure if Minnesota lets you important live bait either, so gets a little tricky going back and forth.
I have only been to RR once. Never used minnows either. I did ok but others might want to know just like I do exactly the interpretation of the law.
Don’t push your luck. They will board your boat faster than you can say Canuck. I wouldn’t get too caught up with interpretation with foreign law enforcement.
No minnows in the boat. No beer in the boat. If you push your luck they won’t have any mercy.
In the past we’ve gotten RABC’s (border crossing permits), Ontario Fishing licenses, Ontario Outdoors Card, and jumped through all the hoops like no live bait, no beer, and special regulations.
Even though you no longer need an RABC, I still don’t think it’s worth doing.
We bought into the “Grass is Greener” mentality.
But the grass is just as green on the U.S. side, and no longer fish the Ontario side.
Save your money and the risk, there are just as many fish (if not more) on the U.S. side.
Also, from what I heard, if you weren’t allowed into Canada before…..you still are not allowed now, even though they omitted the RABC.
I’m not 100% on that, but if you are a felon in their eyes it would be worth a phone call.
No live bait, unless purchased in Canada and you have a receipt! not worth it! fish the mn side, every bit as good, imaginary line is the boundary, watch your gps, do not push it. Follow the boating regs in mn and Ontario to the T! Verygood fishing if you time it right, but the crowds have done me in, its the only game in town and the folks come in droves.
Verygood fishing if you time it right, but the crowds have done me in, its the only game in town and the folks come in droves.
Excellent point. I will not go if only one access is open, which is always Birchdale. Over 300 boats and many that can’t back up their rig or load their boat on the trailer makes for long hours to waits if you’re not one of the first ones there. Also take a bicycle to ride back and forth….it might save a mile walk.
People are pretty courteous about offering a ride rather than seeing people walk. I’ve been on both ends of that, either offering a ride or being offered.
Yep. Make sure to know and follow the regs no matter what side you fish. Anticipate getting checked every day. If you fish Canada better know two sets of rules and plan on getting checked both sides of the line. If you keep fish one day make sure you eat them before fishing for more the next. Once you have a full limit in the boat you are done fishing til the next day.
Just know and follow all the rules, enjoy the crowds, hope the weather and river conditions hold and it’s pretty straight forward fishing.
The accesses are always very interesting. Long lines, motor wrecking drop offs and even a few wet trucks. All that being said, the Rainy trip is one I look forward to every year. If your lucky enough to get up there when the water is clear (before the tributaries open), the fishing is unbeatable.
Just follow the rules, bring your patience and enjoy some of the best walleye fishing in the world.
few wet trucks
Or the dry boats that slide off on the landing before the water! Seen that one a few times, make sure you’re in the water before unhooking the bow. It’s about time to start hoping for warm weather season closes in a month and a week!
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