Rainy Lake Houseboat

Looking for some feedback on doing a houseboat trip up on Rainy next August. The wife wants to get me a special birthday present
since I’m turning the new 40 (60). So if anyone has done it before let me know and also if that’s a good time to do it. Thanks Glenn

Congrats on the milestone birthday! I haven’t done a houseboat trip but August is a beautiful time to be in VNP. Be sure to bring a boat along to tow so you can get around and explore the area a bit. Ebels houseboats are on the Ash River Trail if you wanted to be on that end of the park. All the houseboat operators up there are good.

My wife and I did a houseboat trip out of Ebel’s once, and I did a Lac Seul trip last fall with 7 other guys. Some observations:
Maps were supplied, but there was no compass, sonar or GPS supplied. I brought my portable GPS with the Lakemaster card. Nowadays, you can use a smartphone with the Navionics app.
Rainy Lake has lots of rock hazards, most of which are marked. The ones that aren’t are a problem. Again, a GPS of some kind is a very good idea. If you’re in less than 20 feet of water, be careful. If you’re in less than 10 feet, be paranoid.
Houseboats travel slow, 7-8 mph. Pick a spot and stay a few days. Do most of your exploring with your fishing boat.
The sewage goes into a holding tank. We were told of a family with kids who went swimming often and stood under the hot shower to warm up. They weren’t happy when they filled the sewage tank and couldn’t use the toilet.

Been out with Rainy Lake Houseboats 3 times. Great outfit. Never been there in Aug. Twice in early June and once right after Labor Day. Bring your boat with GPS and a good map chip. RLH with tell how the bite is or hire a guide for 1 day to start you out. It is just beautiful country and a very large body water. Good luck and enjoy.

A group of buddies and I have been going for 5 years now, and it is my favorite trip of the year! We usually go early-mid July, and the fishing gets better every year (hopefully due to our improving knowledge). In August, from what I’ve read, you will want to go east of the Brule Narrows, as most of the fishing is done on the reefs. Lindy’s, raps, and jigs have all been successful (in that order) for us. East of the Brule means you will spend half a day driving out, and half a day driving in so plan accordingly. If you have a big boat, you can tie up the HB west of the Brule and travel around, but when the wind kicks up it gets serious out there real fast. We usually spend 4 days up there, and every year wish we had more time! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Have done the Rainy Lake houseboat trip several times. Gone out of RLHB and Northernaire >>> http://www.northernairehouseboats.com

I like to get east of Brule and tucked into one of the many sandy coves on the south shore. Then scout other spots from there. Many times just set up base and never move. Late August/Early Sept is a great time of year as the traffic will start to lighten up a bit from the summer rush.

TIP – You can really cut down on the gas bill by never running more than about 1/2 throttle. Just put-put your way along and enjoy the scenery.

Both websites have good checklist of stuff to bring. A really good set of binoculars is a must have.

Go for it and have fun. You will probably go again.

-J.